State Fair News
State Fair of Texas does COVID-19 workaround with new drive-thru event
The State Fair of Texas is out of commission for 2020 due to the dreaded coronavirus, but organizers have crafted a workaround: Called the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru, it consists of customers driving through a line and buying food packages from State Fair vendors.
In addition to the foods, there's also a Big Tex photo-op. The Fair folks are erecting the Big Tex statue for photo sessions. This year, he'll be wearing a super-sized mask. High-larious.
The drive-thru schedule will basically be weekends. Dates are as follows:
- September 25-27
- October 2-4
- October 9
- October 11-12, which includes Monday, October 12
- October 15-18
One exception: Since the AT&T Red River Showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma in Cotton Bowl Stadium is taking place, the Drive-Thru will not occur on Saturday, October 10.
Tickets go on sale starting September 2 at 10 am on BigTex.com. Customers can attend in three entry time slots:
- 10 am-1 pm
- 1-5 pm
- 5-5:45 pm
After selecting a date and time, customers can choose from the following packages.
Big Tex Photo Package
This is a standalone photo opp, no food, and is available only September 19-20. It's $25, and allows one vehicle of up to eight people to come in and pose with Big Tex, as well as a downloadable "professional" photo with Big Tex.
Fair Food & Photo Packages
The "A" package is $65 and feeds 1-2 people. Wow, just as pricey as if you were actually attending the Fair! It allows one vehicle of up to eight people to come in and pose with Big Tex, as well as a downloadable professional photo with Big Tex, as well as the following:
- Two soft drinks or bottled waters from Haworth Concessions
- Two Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs
- One order of Jack’s French Fries
- One order of Stiffler’s Fried Oreos
- One bag of State Fair Cotton Candy
- One bag of Pioneer Kettle Corn
- One Midway Prize
The "B" package is the same as "A" but bigger: It's $99 and feeds 3-4 people. It allows one vehicle of up to eight people to come in and pose with Big Tex, as well as a downloadable professional photo with Big Tex, as well as the following:
- Four soft drinks or bottled waters from Haworth Concessions
- Four Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs
- Two orders of Jack’s French Fries
- Two orders of Stiffler’s Fried Oreos
- Two bags of State Fair Cotton Candy
- Two bags of Pioneer Kettle Corn
- Two Midway Prizes
You can also add on items such as corn on the cob, corny dogs, sausage on a stick, and turkey legs.
All guests must remain in their vehicles, with the exception of using the restroom and/or having their photo taken at Big Tex Circle.
They anticipate that the Drive-Thru experience will take no longer than 1 1/2 hours once you enter the gate.
Folks can choose to eat their food in their car along the way, take it home, or eat in a parking lot designated by the State Fair after they exit.
Guests are required to wear face masks when interacting with staff, who will all be wearing masks, washing hands, wearing gloves, and so on.
