2019 Texas State Fair Attracted Over 2.5 Million Visitors

Memorable Year at the State Fair of Texas

As the 2019 State Fair of Texas concludes, it’s evident that this year’s event will be remembered fondly. Celebrating its 133^rd year, the Fair united visitors from diverse backgrounds, featuring both cherished traditions and exciting new innovations. The theme for this year, “Celebrating Texas Creativity,” resonated with the spirit of Texan culture. The Fair welcomed over 2.5 million attendees by the end of the event.

Helping the Community

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Fair is dedicated to supporting local and statewide initiatives. The net proceeds generated go towards enhancing Fair Park, funding museums and community projects, offering scholarships to Texas students pursuing higher education, and improving Fair operations. A successful 24-day event translates into increased support for both Fair Park and its neighboring communities.

Reflections from Leadership

“We are thankful to continue the remarkable tradition of celebrating all things Texan, bringing friends and families together from across the state, nation, and world to create unforgettable experiences,” stated Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas. “As we wrap up the 2019 exhibition, we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s success, allowing us to give back to Fair Park and surrounding communities while providing scholarships to students across the Lone Star State.”

Highlights of the 2019 Fair

As our largest annual fundraiser, the 2019 State Fair of Texas made a significant impact in various ways. Here are some notable achievements from this year’s event:

By the time of this release, over 2.5 million visitors entered the Fair gates.
Over 200,000 dots were placed on the VisitDallas map at the Contain Your Self(ie) exhibit, showcasing attendees’ origins. Dots represented all 50 states and 191 out of 195 countries worldwide.
Military Appreciation Day offered free entry to more than 9,600 military personnel and their families.
On First Responder’s Day, over 5,600 first responders and their families were granted complimentary admission, marking a 24% increase from the previous year.
Over 2.29 million free tickets were distributed to students and teachers in North Texas.
Aligned with this year’s theme, “Celebrating Texas Creativity,” community members submitted over 10,500 entries in Creative Arts competitions, including participation from more than 4,000 contestants and 1,900 newcomers.
The inaugural Lone Star Music Series featured performances from over 45 Texas music artists throughout the Fairgrounds.
With over 11,000 exhibitors, livestock and agricultural events showcased more than 15,000 livestock entries.
During the 71^st Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction on October 4, a record more than $1.56 million was raised for young livestock exhibitors.
The Grand Champion Market Steer sold for a record-setting $155,000 to the Big Tex Champion Club, led by an anonymous donor.
Ag Awareness Day brought together more than 7,900 students and leaders from 165 chapters of 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA, contributing over 30,000 pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank during a canned food drive.
Over 650 individuals engaged in various community events organized by the State Fair of Texas’ community affairs team throughout the event.
The Fair hosted the Second Annual Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards, honoring seven individuals for their impactful contributions to their communities and civil rights efforts.
As of 2019, Big Tex Urban Farms donated over 17,200 pounds of fresh produce, equivalent to 180,000 servings for the South Dallas/Fair Park area, with 1,174 pounds donated during the Fair itself, translating to 17,000 servings.
The Livestock Birthing Barn witnessed 81 animal births during the Fair, including 32 pigs, 10 kids (goats), 26 lambs, and 13 calves.
The State Fair of Texas invested more than $2.6 million in collaboration with the City of Dallas, Fair Park First, and Spectra to enhance features at Cotton Bowl Stadium, improving the game experience for over 156,000 guests attending events like the State Fair Classic, AT&T Red River Showdown, and State Fair Showdown.
The Fair-funded Texas Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial displayed over 17,000 flags to honor Texas veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Free concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage featured performances from Daughtry, Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, Rick Springfield, La Maquinaria Norteña, 98 Degrees, and Billy Ray Cyrus, drawing significant crowds.
For the first time, the Chevrolet Main Stage included “Tejano Music Thursdays,” featuring artists such as Raulito Navaira y Remedio, Jorge Moreno, and Joe B Project IV.
Fifty-two events took place at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center during the Fair’s 24-day run.
Approximately 90% of Fairgoers attended the Auto Show, which attracted over 2.25 million visitors over the 24 days.
Over 10,000 guests visited the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at the African American Museum in Fair Park.
In 2019, nearly $1.25 million in new college scholarships were awarded to over 200 students across the Lone Star State.
Twenty-five dogs found their forever homes at Bark in Fair Park, an event sponsored by DFW Rescue Me.
As college application deadlines approach, eligible high school seniors and seasonal employees are encouraged to apply for a 2020 Big Tex college scholarship at BigTex.com/scholarship.
On Friday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the State Fair of Texas will partner with Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc. for the Fourth Annual Big Tex Job Fair at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center. More than 35 local companies will be present to accept applications and conduct interviews for a variety of employment opportunities. Details and participating organizations can be found at BigTex.com/JobFair.

Thank You for Celebrating with Us

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the celebration of all things Texan during the 2019 State Fair of Texas. The 2020 State Fair of Texas is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, October 18 in Fair Park. Big Tex and all Fair staff are excited to welcome you back next year!

About the State Fair of Texas

Since its founding in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has honored Texan culture by promoting agriculture, education, and community participation through quality entertainment in a family-friendly setting. The Fair operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with proceeds aimed at preserving and enhancing Fair Park, supporting museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs for Lone Star State students pursuing higher education, as well as improving Fair operations. The 2020 exposition will run from September 25 to October 18 in Fair Park. For more information, visit BigTex.com.

Karissa Condoianis
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC RELATIONS • P.O. BOX 150009, DALLAS, TEXAS 75315 • C: 214.289.3318

About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2019 exposition runs September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.

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