Fan Fair

State Fair fans make memories year after year

By Sonia Duggan

The State Fair of Texas, an iconic celebration deeply rooted in tradition, has captivated visitors since its inception in 1886. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Texas pride, promoting agriculture, education and community involvement through an array of entertainment that appeals to all ages. Spanning 24 consecutive days from Sept. 27 to Oct. 20, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, drawing people from far and wide to experience its magic.

For some fans, this annual event is more than just a tradition—it’s a cherished pilgrimage they eagerly anticipate year after year, creating unforgettable memories and celebrating the very best of Texas.

For Tom Horst of Sachse, the State Fair of Texas is a family tradition that has been part of their lives for decades. “Well, ever since my kids were old enough to go—older stroller size,” Tom said. Now, even though his children (two daughters and a son) are adults with jobs of their own, the Horst family continues to attend the fair together, taking the day off to make the most of the experience. 

“We all take the day off and go the first day,” he said, “because the crowds are a little smaller on the first day, typically.”

Tom, a retired Air Force veteran, and his family are not fair-weather fans. 

“We’ve gone in all types of weather — rain, heat, cold, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We’re there from when the gates open until they close.” 

Knowing it’s impossible to see everything in one day due to the fair’s sheer size, Tom said, “The route we take, we see a lot in that time frame,” adding that they usually attend twice during its 24-day run.

Tom said they have a list of favorite activities they enjoy each year. From playing the lotto at the tents—where his daughter once won $100 dressed as Taylor Swift—to enjoying the free food samples in the dairy building, they always find something new. 

“We discovered something new last year and that was the rodeo,” he said. “The rodeo was phenomenal. It made you very proud to be an American.”

The family also enjoys the evening parade, which has been enhanced with LED lights and music, and the Illumination Sensation show with its music, dance, and fireworks. Additionally, Tom said they are avid supporters of the fair’s vendors, often purchasing unique items that can’t be found anywhere else. 

“We support all the vendors,” Tom said, admitting it’s not uncommon for him to spend $500 in one day.

And while they don’t go for the rides, Tom said, “We like the tram that goes from one end of the fairground to the other at nighttime. It’s really pretty.” 

After years of attending and appreciating the arts and craft winners, Tom said his wife Wanda entered and placed second for a doily she made.

 “It was fun to go into the building and see her doily on display with the ribbon on it,” he said.

One of the family’s favorite aspects of the fair is the food. They keep an eye on who wins the food contests each year and make it a point to try the new offerings. Last year, Tom said the family recognized some of the vendors from the TV show “Deep Fried Dynasty” and had fun meeting them in person.

Tom has a few favorites foods he returns to each year, especially the deep-fried bacon. 

“That’s one of my favorites,” he said, adding that they always get a turkey leg, corn dogs and funnel cakes too. 

“We never all order each an item, because typically it’s large portion and we just kind of share it so that way you’re not full off one thing.” 

And with a name like Horst, Tom said the only bigger meal they eat requires a visit to the German tent for his favorite Reuben sandwich and a sausage on a stick for Wanda.

When Tom retires next year, he’s considering becoming a season ticket holder. 

“There’s just something about it,” he said. “I love the sound, the smells, the people, the excitement. There’s just never a dull moment at the fair.”

A Family Tradition

For Brandy Clark of Farmersville, the State Fair of Texas has become an annual tradition that her family eagerly anticipates each year. Originally from Florida, with her husband Bobby hailing from Chicago, the Clarks moved to Texas in 2006. Although they didn’t attend the fair when their children, Liam, 15, and Vivian, 12, were younger due to the overwhelming nature of the event, the family has made it a regular outing for the past four years.

Brandy has found that attending the fair on a Monday works best for her family. 

“Because Farmersville ISD doesn’t have classes on Mondays, we just pick a Monday when my husband and I can get off work because it’s not as crowded. It makes it a much more pleasant experience,” she said, as it allows them to enjoy the fair without the stress of navigating through large crowds.

For the Clark children, the highlight of the fair is visiting the animals. 

“They love going in there to see if any new babies were born,” Brandy said. “They love going in there and doing the feeding.” The games are another favorite, she added, with Vivian scoring big last year by winning a massive pink pig that now has a permanent place in her room.

While the kids are drawn to the animals and games, Brandy and her husband Bobby are all about the food. 

“I’ve come to really look forward to what the new fried food will be,” Brandy said, noting that she became fascinated with the process after watching a Food Network show that highlighted how chefs come up with and enter their creations into the fair’s contests.

For Bobby, the fair is more about spending time with his family than anything else. “Honestly, I think he really just goes for us,” Brandy said. 

The Clarks usually attend the fair toward the end of its run, which has become a tradition the kids eagerly anticipate. “The kids always ask when we’ll return,” Brandy said, adding, “Every year I go, I see something new and different.”

Years of Memories

Suzanne Mingea’s lifelong connection to the State Fair of Texas began during her high school days in Overton, a small town where a trip to the Fair was a significant event. 

“It was a big deal for us rural people to come to the State Fair,” Suzanne said. She vividly remembers her first visit in 1968 as a freshman, recalling that the highlight of that visit was seeing “The Cowsills,” a popular family singing group at the time.

 “They were a bunch of cute boys,” she added, remembering the thrill of seeing them perform on the outdoor Mobile Stage. Suzanne said they went a few other times in high school and remembers how “we always liked to get our pictures made in the picture booths for 15 or 25 cents.”

After leaving East Texas, Suzanne moved to Fort Worth, and her visits to the State Fair took on a new significance. 

“My dad always liked to go to the State Fair, so through the years, I would go and meet my father at the Fair,” she said.

Since settling in Wylie with her husband Dan, the Mingeas have developed a tradition of attending the fair as a couple. And as longtime subscribers to The Wylie News, they’ve taken advantage of the complimentary tickets, a key motivator in continuing the tradition. 

Additionally, they’ve found an easy way to get to the fair by driving to Rowlett and taking DART, often visiting during sensory-friendly mornings when the noise is reduced.

The Mingeas prefer to spend their time at the fair exploring the car displays, quilt exhibits and other winners in the Food & Fiber Pavilion while taking in the architecture of the historic buildings. 

“I love to look in the old buildings,” she said. “I really love the architecture.”

And while food is a draw for many, Suzanne prefers to take a healthier approach. 

“We always like to go through the “Go Texas Pavilion” because there are some free samples there from the dairy farmers,” she said. “And I have bought some food products that are made in Texas at the Country Store.”  

However, Suzanne does have one treat she enjoys. 

“I love to eat the large Mexican fruit cup because it’s low calorie and safe,” she admits.