deron-anthony
The State Fair of Texas has a rich history that has seen lots of money, lots of racism and lots of fried food.
The Dallas State Fair & Exposition, to which the present State Fair of Texas traces its origin, was chartered as a private corporation on Jan. 30, 1886, by a group of Dallas businessmen including W.H. Gaston, John S. Armstrong and Thomas L. Marsalis. James B. Simpson was elected president of the association, and Sidney Smith was appointed as the first secretary.
"State Fair of Texas History." Bigtex.com. Accessed September 21, 2016. State Fair of Texas History.
Even though the Texas State Fair has come along way in diversity, this was not always the case. Here is a picture of the 1923 KKK day.
Dallas Public Library/Texas/Dallas History and Archive
Negro Achievement Day was a day where Blacks could attend the State Fair.
"Negro Achievement Day at State Fair." The Dallas Express (Dallas), October 22, 1955. Accessed September 22, 2016. https://dallaslibrary2.org/mbutts/assets/lessons/L12-civil rights/Marion Butts - State Fair(PPT).pdf.
Big football games have been played at this location. Every year, 60,000 plus fans gather for the Red River Rivalry game which features Texas vs Oklahoma. The Dallas Cowboys also played here in the 1960's
Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) and Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) , “[Untitled],” UTA Libraries, accessed September 22, 2016, http://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/items/show/70796..
Dallas Cowboys brought big crowds to the Cotton Bowl.
Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) and Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) , “[Untitled],” UTA Libraries, accessed September 22, 2016, http://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/items/show/70796.
Arguably the best rivalry in college football, Texas vs Oklahoma, this game (called the The Red River Rivalry) is big money maker for the Texas State Fair.
Edwards, Ashton. "Oklahoman’s Guide to Texas State Fair for Red River Rivalry." KFOR.com. October 07, 2013. Accessed September 22, 2016. http://kfor.com/2013/10/07/oklahomans-guide-to-texas-state-fair-for-red-river-rivalry/.
Big Tex is a key monument at the Texas State Fair. He has been around since 1951.
Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) and Squire Haskins Photography, Inc. (Photographer) , “[Untitled],” UTA Libraries, accessed September 22, 2016, http://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/items/show/23099
One of the main reasons people come to The State Fair of Texas is for all of the Fried Food! Every year Texas has the Big Tex Awards. The winner (usually a fried food) is featured at the Texas State Fair.
Review: Fried Foods at 2013 State Fair of Texas." Dallas Foodie, October 04, 2013. Accessed September 22, 2016. http://dallasfoodie.dgdesign.biz/2013/10/review-fried-foods-2013-state-fair-texas.html.
