The State Fair of Texas opened in-person on Friday after a year off due to the pandemic. Crowds flooded Fair Park鈥檚 entrances to grab corny dogs, watch the parade and hear Big Tex鈥檚 iconic 鈥淗owdy, folks!鈥�
The event's return has been long awaited by fair fanatics like 71-year-old Ron Richardson from Mesquite.
鈥淚鈥檝e been coming to the fair since I was 7 years old, and I haven鈥檛 missed a year since except for last year because of COVID,鈥� he said.
In an effort to keep the spirit of the event alive, the city created a Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru. Richardson went to the drive-through 13 times, but he says it wasn鈥檛 the same.
The Mesquite local recalled when the 2020 state fair was canceled, saying 鈥渢hat was one of the hardest days of my life.鈥�
Now, he鈥檚 excited to get his favorites: a cinnamon roll, corn-on-the-cob and baked potato.
Other visitors like 9-year-old Maggie Boone may have less experience with the state fair, but she鈥檚 just as enthusiastic about its return.
She munched on a bright-red candy apple with her mom Ashley and her younger sister Blakely. The young fairgoer could hardly contain her excitement about all the things she loved about the state fair.
鈥淭he games and seeing big Tex!鈥� she exclaimed. 鈥淚鈥檓 most excited about winning a giant prize.鈥�
Her mom says her family plans to visit the petting zoo, watch the stunt show and play some games.
For some visitors, the opening of the fair is such a momentous occasion, they took the day off of work or school.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely worth missing at least a day,鈥� said 17-year-old Alexandra Ganez with a laugh.
Her family has a tradition of visiting the first day of the state fair every year, so she said the cancellation of the in-person event last year was a disappointment.
Now, she鈥檚 eager to enjoy a corny dog and turkey leg. More importantly, she said she鈥檚 just grateful to see all the people who came out.
鈥淚 think just seeing everyone come together and unite as a community is really great since the pandemic started,鈥� she said.
Visitors can until Oct. 17 at Fair Park.
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