The State Fair of Texas is an annual state fair held in Dallas, Texas (USA). The fair season usually begins the last Friday in September and ends 24 days later. The fair is held at the historic Fair Park where it has been held since 1886. Big Tex, a 52 ft (16 m) tall cowboy, has been the symbol of the fair since his introduction in 1952; in 1953, Big Tex's jaw was hinged, so that he appears to "speak" the announcements that promote fair events.
The State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the United States by annual attendance. However, the Minnesota State Fair has a higher average daily attendance but is open half the amount of time.As of 2003, the fair's marketing director estimated that the fair was bringing about US$350 million dollars into the Dallas economy.
Traditionally, one of the centerpieces of the fair has been the annual college football game between Texas and Oklahoma, nicknamed the Red 'River Shootout' and played in the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park. 212-foot (65 m) Texas Star Ferris wheel has been the largest in North America since it debuted in October 1985.The fair also has been known for years for Fletcher's brand corny dogs.The State Fair of Texas is the only fair in the country to include a full blown auto show, dating back to 1904.It includes over 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) of new model vehicles, two buildings, a Truck Zone and a Test Drive Track.
