State Fair News
New stuff at 2019 State Fair of Texas includes puppets and selfies
The 2019 State Fair of Texas kicks off on September 27 with several new attractions, including puppets, new rides, and an area for selfies.
These are in addition to the usual 100 free attractions, 70 Midway rides, and Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs.
No word yet on the annual Big Tex Choice awards, aka fried food heaven. That'll have its own dedicated press release. Actually, there will be many press releases about the fried foods.
Here's the new stuff for 2019:
Marionettes
"¡Fiestas de Marionetas!" is a small village of more than 85 handmade marionettes who come to life to celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity. You can also get a backstage tour and craft activities after the show. They'll perform daily at the McDonald's Amphitheater on First Avenue.
Film
"Texas Cinema" is produced in partnership by the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas Historical Society with a focus on the history and impact of Texas film performers and creators, as well as the depiction of Texas through film. It'll incorporate video, interactive opportunities, and historical artifacts. There'll be screenings at the Hall of State auditorium all day, via a partnership with the Dallas International Film Festival.
Photography
"Fair Focus: The Photography of Kevin Brown" is an exhibit of the work of Kevin Brown, who has more than 38 years of professional experience as a Dallas-area freelance photographer and 16 years of shooting photos at the State Fair of Texas. This will be the inaugural showcase in the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center exhibit space.
Strongman
The "Mighty Mike Show" will star Mighty Mike, a strongman who can bend horseshoes, juggle bowling balls and sledgehammers, and do "questionable" dance routines. Daily in Coliseum Terrace.
Dancers
"Splashdance!" combines a high-energy performance of professional dancers and acrobats set to music by the Esplanade fountains. Daily on the Mattress Firm Stage on the Esplanade.
Midway rides
New rides include Dancing Clown, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Satori Yachts, four kiddie rides. Crazy Surf and Beach Party are for thrill-seekers yet fun for the whole family. Moon Raker conveys the adventure of space flight; when it reaches its full height, the top tilts and rotates as the entire ride spins. Skyliner is a thrilling family swing ride providing a breathtaking aerial experience.
Selfies
The area around the historic Lagoon will be transformed into a walking selfie stroll called Contain Yourself(ie), with 10 shipping containers painted by Texas artists that address the 2019 theme, "Celebrating Texas Creativity."
Chocolate
"A Sweet Indulgent Affair" is an exhibit presented by Mundo Latino that will cover the origin and history of chocolate, along with demos and classes. Housed inside the Women's Museum.
Art
The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection is an acclaimed exhibition that celebrates the achievements and contributions of black Americans from 1595 to present times. Considered one of the most comprehensive surveys of African American history and culture outside the Smithsonian Institution, it features more than 150 paintings, sculptures, photos, books, letters, manuscripts, and more, amassed by Shirley and Bernard Kinsey during their five decades of marriage. It runs September 21, 2019 through March 1, 2020, at the African American Museum, with details and tickets at aamdallas.org.
Football
The schedule for this year's match-ups inside the Cotton Bowl Stadium are as follows:
- September 28 — The State Fair Classic between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University.
- October 12 — The AT&T Red River Showdown between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners.
- October 19 — Texas Southern University and Southern University.
Gauguin in the World is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston from now until February 16, 2025.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
William Chris Vineyards has done it again.
Photo courtesy of William Chris Vineyards