WHAT: State Fair Saddle Up

WHERE: The Rustic Dallas

THE 411: State Fair supporters pulled on their boots for an evening of Texas-sized fun and fundraising under the stars on Thursday, September 10. The annual State Fair Saddle Up (considered a chic State Fair pre-party) raised more than $320,000 for the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs.

Co-chairs Robert Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt welcomed guests to The Rustic for live and silent auctions, Midway-style games, and special activations from Fleastyle, McKinney Hat Company, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, and more.

American Idol’s Cash Byers and Big Valley provided the live entertainment, while State Fair-themed auction experiences kept guests bidding.

The event puts 100 percent of funds raised toward programs that have awarded more than $25.3 million in livestock auction awards and college scholarships to Texas students since 2018.

The State Fair of Texas returns Friday, September 25 for its three-week run at Fair Park in Dallas.

WHO: State Fair of Texas president Mitchell Glieber and Lisa Glieber, FOX 4’s Steve Noviello and Paige Ellenberger, New Country 96.3 FM’s Michelle Rodriguez, Tim Rawsom, Karissa Condoianis, Warren Mayberry, Melanie Linear, Kat Dunn, Cynthia Smoot, Alex Romo, Chris Khale, Austin Green, Emma Fletcher, and many more.

Photo by Imani Black

Saddle Up co-chairs Grant and Courtney Pruitt, Robert Walne