It’s almost over! The State Fair of Texas closes this weekend (Oct. 19 is the final day), and there are so many things yet to see and do. We recommend spending Friday evening (assuming you work Friday; if not, get out there early!) through Sunday at the fair. Two-and-a-half days should be just enough time to get everything, or at least quite a bit, done — the fair, after all, boasts more than 100 performances, activities, competitions and more each day. I definitely plan to take in these Top 5 things before the stock barns clear out and the cotton-candy machines shut down. Unless noted, events are included with fair admission (see Fair Facts on the facing page for details on hours, admission and more). Big Tex, seems like we hardly saw ye.
1 PIG RACES This is probably my favorite thing to watch at the fair. Squealing, swerving piglets racing down a track honestly can’t be beat as far as general hilarity. Those curly tails just do me in. And believe me, you’ll find yourself rooting for a favorite. Oct. 17-19 at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. at the Pan Am Arena.
2 MIDWAY My absolute favorite ride is the old-school but so-much-fun Wave Swinger near the Cotton Bowl.
If you pick one of the really scary, fast rides, be sure to save the corny-dog extravaganza for after your tummy has had a chance to settle down. More than 70 rides (plus games) occupy the midway, from a 1914 Dentzel carousel to the iconic 212-foot Texas Star to the newest ride, the 500-foot-tall Top o’ Texas Tower. Coupons (purchased at booths throughout the fairgrounds) cost 50 cents each, and the average ride takes 10 to 12 coupons. Hours vary; check bigtex.com.
3 McTEGGART IRISH DANCERS OF NORTH TEXAS Lots of Irish and Scottish immigrants first settled in Tennessee, the Carolinas and other states, then wised up and journeyed to the Promised Land — Texas. “GTT” chalked or painted on people’s doors in the 19th century meant “Gone to Texas,” often to escape debts from the Panic of 1819 (Texas was part of Mexico then, so hello, debt- freedom!). Catch some of the more ebullient part of that heritage (if you’re not Irish, just play along) with these traditional Irish dancers. Oct. 18 at 2:10 and 5:30 p.m. on the Hall of State steps.
4 STATE FAIR STALLIONS People dressed in extravagant costumes portray magnificent mustangs, showing off the animals’ beautiful rhythms. It can’t be expressed in words; you simply must see it. You’ll learn the history of the animals, too. While you’re there, catch the antics of the awkwardly lovable Buford Buzzard puppet, as well. See the Stallions Oct. 17-19 at 11 a.m., noon and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. at the Kids’ Boardwalk. Buford Buzzard does his thing Oct. 17-19 on the hour from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
5 FARMER MIKE, PUMPKIN CARVER Watch marvelous, extravagant pumpkin creations being wrought, and get some ideas for carving your own eccentrically (dare we say it?) great pumpkin for your your hearth or porch this season. Oct. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the midway.
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