The Texas State Fair is considered the biggest and best state fair in the entire country. This monumental event takes place every year for 24 days at the end of September and the beginning of October. If you want to have fun all the way, listen to the classic movie musical that declared, ?Our state fair is the best state fair, don't miss it, don't even be late!?

The Texas State Fair's home is Fair Park in the heart of Dallas. This monstrous fairground is unlike any other you have ever seen! Measuring in at a phenomenal 277 acres, you will certainly agree that Fair Park is the biggest of the big. Remember, you are in Texas, where everything is bigger and better! The complex is owned by the city and serves as home to the Cotton Bowl, Music Hall, and even eight museums, including one devoted to the history of the state fair. During the time of the state fair though, Fair Park is turned upside down!

It was way back in 1886 that the first Texas State Fair had taken place in Dallas in its current location. At that time, the fair was mainly to showcase prize winning livestock and crops brought in by farmers from all over the state. Since 1929, the fair has been hosting the world famous football game pitting hometown heroes of University of Texas against the Sooners from the University of Oklahoma. In 1936, Fair Park hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition welcoming a crowd of over six million people for the six month duration of the exposition.

Big Tex, the huge cowboy that welcomes all visitors into Fair Park, is the biggest and best feature of the fair. It first appeared at the state fair in 1952 and has been to every fair ever since. This gentle giant welcomes visitors in the true Texan style of "Howdy partner" and a friendly wave.

Nearly $350 million people come to the fair in the 24 day duration. It sure is a lucrative business for the state with over 8,000 livestock entries, 7,000 creative arts entries, and over 200 food locations and restaurants. Moreover, travelers bring in welcome dollars for hotels and lodgings to Dallas every year. The money from the fair is used for welfare purposes, which includes funding a scholarship program that gives $1.5 million each year for eligible students to use for college education.

The Texas State Fair is also famous for its rides. The ride revenue brings in $23 millions each year as visitors queue up to ride everything from the daring to the classic. The colossal 212 foot Texas Star is the tallest Ferris wheel on the continent in keeping with the tradition of bigger and better things in Texas.

Also visit the exhibition halls in the fair in between riding and relishing the fair food. You would find all kinds of livestock and agricultural products from the whole Texas. You would also find great art arts and crafts entries of amateurs and professional crafters.

You just cannot miss the fantastic Texas State Fair. So, do come to the fair and see for yourself what makes it such a memorable event.