STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Programs
Program 1 [2020]
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. For the first time since World War II, the State Fair of Texas was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the loss of our main source of revenue, the Fair focused on continuing to provide support for our mission-based initiatives while keeping the State Fair spirit alive. Agriculture serves not only as a pillar of this organization, but as a fundamental feature of the Lone Star State and its history. During a typical year, the State Fair of Texas offers a variety of interactive exhibits focusing on agriculture and livestock - implementing hands-on activities that are both enjoyable and informative. Activities range from feeding furry friends at the petting zoo to learning about different livestock species during daily guided tours through the livestock barns. In addition, each year, thousands of students from around the state work diligently in preparation for the competitive livestock events and leadership contests at the State Fair. The largest of these events, the annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, celebrates the agricultural heritage of our great state, while also providing scholarships and prizes to students all over Texas. In a year that saw so many opportunities for Texas youth to show their projects and earn scholarship awards and prizes, the Fair's livestock department worked diligently to provide opportunities for students to show in the safest environment possible. This year, following the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas due to COVID-19, the Fair held a limited-capacity "market week", rather than the traditional roster of market and breeding shows. Also available for the first time this year, virtual contests for events like Agricultural Job Interview and Public Speaking, were made available. In addition to a limited number of shows and virtual contests, the State Fair of Texas and the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco, Texas, teamed up to give students more opportunity to show their projects in a one-time event, called "The United." The Fair's educational initiatives extend far beyond our 24-day exposition. With education at the very core of our foundation, the State Fair of Texas continues to serve as a showcase for Texas history, agriculture, and the community that connects it all. The Fair expands its educational initiatives to the classroom with an innovative curriculum, created in partnership with Big Thought. The online curriculum combines the unique culture of the Fair with Texas history and agriculture, incorporating it into a TEKS-aligned program that focuses on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) for grades 4 through 12. In 2020, new curriculum was introduced to the program, focusing on community leader Juanita J. Craft. With a focus on educating visitors about Texas history and agriculture, the Fair offers a unique experience that is both informative and entertaining. As a long-standing Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a distinctive appreciation for the local support that makes such a big event possible every year. With the ultimate goal of having a positive community impact, the Fair aims to give back through our partnerships with local organizations and initiatives. The Fair continues to expand outreach programs while placing a special priority on promoting community involvement at the local level. Our impact in the community focuses on three areas that complement our mission - social capital, human capital, and financial capital. In addition, the Fair seeks to assist food insecurity in the South Dallas/Fair Park area through its Big Tex Urban Farms initiative. Each year, the State Fair of Texas brings guests from all walks of life together for 24 days in celebration of the Lone Star State's evolving culture. Beginning in 1886 as a local gathering place for people to share ideas and learn from new cultures, the annual state fair and exposition in Fair Park became a breeding ground for Texas education and innovation. 2020's theme exemplified the broad impact Texas, and its famous residents, have on modern-day culture. Announced prior to the cancellation of the State Fair of Texas, 2020's theme - Celebrating Texas Icons - served as a platform to showcase Texas' history of producing historic emblems in seemingly every aspect of life and applied it to how we approach our own nonprofit mission of promoting agriculture, education and involvement. When the 2020 State Fair of Texas was canceled on July 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of Texas icons was incorporated in the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru along the route, including many state symbols and iconic events in State Fair history. Even without the annual exposition, the State Fair of Texas was able to make a difference in various ways. Below are just a few of the noteworthy successes from 2020: - The team at the State Fair of Texas curated a new collection of fun-filled virtual events celebrating Texas, downloadable Fair activities for the kids, and all-new digital and video content to allow you to create new Fair traditions and celebrate your favorite aspects of the State Fair of Texas this year. Whether it was learning how to make a Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger, learning more about Texas cheese and wine, entering or voting in our inaugural Big Tex Photo Challenge, or taking a virtual ride on the Texas Star Ferris wheel, more than 150,000 people participated in our Fair From Home activation this year - Nearly 65,000 votes were cast in the Fair Food Madness, Big Tex Choice Awards Championship, awarding the Texas Fried FRITOS Pie by Nick Bert with the championship title - During the pandemic, the Fair launched an all new Little Lone Stars Club - a free membership for young fans of the Fair - more than 21,000 cowboys and cowgirls ages 12 and younger. From May to September, the State Fair of Texas delivered free, fun, Fair-related activities for kiddos straight to their mailbox, in addition to birthday cards throughout the year - The State Fair welcomed nearly 23,000 cars full of fairgoers over 15 days of drive-thru events, the Big Tex Photo Drive-Thru and the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru, a progressive Fair food and photo experience on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas. The fairgrounds were decorated in true Texas-style, giving the progressive Drive-Thru experience throughout the grounds the spirit of the State Fair. The decorations and experiences along the route also served as a way for the Fair to inform and educate guests on the community-driven initiatives and organizations the Fair supports year-round. Highlights included information on Big Tex Urban Farms, Community Programs, the Big Tex Scholarship Program, supporting the North Texas Food Bank, and even a display of livestock animals to help promote our livestock and agricultural initiatives. - More than 32,000 photos were snapped with a masked Big Tex this year. Big Tex's "Howdy Folks" face mask measured approximately seven feet by four feet - Eight Texas music acts performed on the Chevrolet Drive-Thru Stage during the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru - In a year that has seen many livestock shows canceled, the State Fair found a safe way to host a limited amount of Texas students in our livestock competitions this year and continue fulfilling our mission of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement. The Fair's livestock and agricultural events hosted approximately 2,700 livestock entries, all competing for one of the 433 coveted spots in the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction - On Friday, October 2, the 72nd Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction raised more than $1 million for youth livestock exhibitors throughout the Lone Star State. Thank you to those who participated in our fundraising events this year: Big Tex Clay Shoot Classic, Big Tex Golf Classic, and Big Tex Champion Club Dinners - The Grand Champion Market Steer of the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction was sold to the Big Tex Champion Club for $75,000 - Through an unprecedented partnership with the Heart O' Texas Fair in Waco, Texas, called The United, both fairs welcomed more than 1,900 livestock entries and awarded more than $22,000 to the top five overall exhibitors in the three joint shows - including prospect steers, heifers, and gilts - The State Fair of Texas hosted 24,000 socially distanced fans for this year's AT&T Red River Showdown in historic Cotton Bowl Stadium - Community members got crafty with more than 5,300 entries in the Fair's Creative Arts competitions. With more than 2,800 contestants, 20% were newcomers who tried their hand at entering Creative Arts competitions, and more than 730 were youth participants. More than 250 entries were submitted in our first-ever virtual Creative Arts contests - Due to theGeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$18.3MState Fair of Texas Initiatives
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The 2022 State Fair of Texas welcomed more than 2.5 million fairgoers through the gates. Agriculture serves not only as a pillar of this organization but as a fundamental feature of the Lone Star State and its history. The State Fair of Texas offers a variety of interactive exhibits focusing on agriculture and livestock - implementing hands-on activities that are both enjoyable and informative. Activities range from feeding furry friends at the petting zoo to learning about different livestock species during daily guided tours through the livestock barns. In addition, each year, thousands of students from around the state work diligently in preparation for the competitive livestock events and leadership contests at the State Fair. The largest of these events, the annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, celebrates the agricultural heritage of our great state, while also providing scholarships and prizes to students all over Texas. The Fair's educational initiatives extend far beyond our 24-day exposition. With education at the very core of our foundation, the State Fair of Texas continues to serve as a showcase for Texas history, agriculture, and the community that connects it all. The Fair expands its educational initiatives to the classroom with an innovative curriculum, created in partnership with Big Thought. The online curriculum combines the unique culture of the Fair with Texas history and agriculture, incorporating it into a TEKS-aligned program that focuses on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) for grades 4 through 12. With a focus on educating visitors about Texas history and agriculture, the Fair offers a unique experience that is both informative and entertaining. As a long-standing Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a distinctive appreciation for the local support that makes such a big event possible every year. With the ultimate goal of having a positive community impact, the Fair aims to give back through our partnerships with local organizations and initiatives. The Fair continues to expand outreach programs while placing a special priority on promoting community involvement at the local level. Our impact in the community focuses on three areas that complement our mission - social capital, human capital, and financial capital. In addition, the Fair seeks to assist food insecurity in the South Dallas/Fair Park area through its Big Tex Urban Farms initiative. Each year, the State Fair of Texas brings guests from all walks of life together for 24 days in celebration of the Lone Star State's evolving culture. Beginning in 1886 as a local gathering place for people to share ideas and learn from new cultures, the annual state fair and exposition in Fair Park became a breeding ground for Texas education and innovation. 2022's theme encompassed one of the many great things the Fair is known for - amazing food. The 2022 State Fair of Texas, themed "Treats of Texas," celebrated something our Fair has become known for: amazing food. When you ask folks what their favorite part of the State Fair is, without skipping a beat, many will answer FOOD. As an event that blends more than 2.5 million people from all walks of life, our wide variety of food represents just that. The 2022 State Fair of Texas made a difference in more ways that we can count. Below are just a few of the noteworthy successes from this year's exposition: - The State Fair welcomed more than 2.5 million fairgoers through the gates; - Approximately $93 million was generated in gross coupon sales for food, beverage, and rides; - More than 55,000 military members and 20,000 first responders used the special daily discount introduced during the 2021 fair. - More than 58,000 people enjoyed the return of 13 performances of the State Fair of Texas Rodeo presented by United Ag & Turf in the historic Fair Park Coliseum - the home of the Original National Finals Rodeo; - Nearly 1.9 million free admission tickets were given to students throughout North Texas. In addition, more than 280,000 teachers received a voucher for free admission; - Community members got crafty with nearly 10,000 entries in the Fair's Creative Arts competitions. More than 3,800 ribbons were awarded to folks celebrating their creativity this year. - More than 16,000 livestock entries were entered and processed by our team leading up to the Fair; - Ag Awareness Day gathered 166 chapters of 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA to participate in the canned food drive, donating more than 28,500 pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank; - On Friday, October 7, the 74th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction raised a record of more than $1.9 million for youth livestock exhibitors; - The Grand Champion Market Steer of the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction was sold to the Big Tex Champion Club for 130,000; - Free concerts were once again held on the Chevrolet Main Stage, with Ashanti, La Fiera de Ojinaga, Trace Adkins, Night Ranger, and La Mafia drawing the largest crowds; - More than 240 people were involved in several community events sponsored by the community affairs team of the State Fair of Texas, which were held throughout the 24-day run. - The Fair hosted the Fifth Annual Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards, awarding six individuals following in Mrs. Craft's footsteps, making a positive impact in their community and in civil rights efforts; - Sensory-Friendly Mornings were held for the fourth time this year for all three Wednesdays of the Fair - reducing noise and lights across the grounds to accommodate those with sensory-related concerns; - Nearly 131,000 people visited the Hall of State to enjoy two exhibits, Mavs Vault and 100 Years, 100 Stories: 100th Anniversary of the Dallas Historical Society; - Shopping at the Fair included 200 commercial exhibit locations across the fairgrounds, including 35 new shopping booths this year; - Forty-seven events were hosted at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center throughout the Fair's 24-day run; - In 2022, the Fair awarded more $1.2 million in new college scholarships to 200 graduating seniors throughout the Lone Star State; - Following the close of the exposition, the Fair holds a food drive where concessionaires can donate their unused food items to local food banks. The 2022 food drive collected donations from 23 vendors, representing 86 booths throughout the fairgrounds. Donations were divided up and shared amongst six South Dallas/Fair Park area organizations. These organizations included: Cornerstone Community Kitchen, Empowering the Masses, Inspired Vision Compassion Center, Jubilee Park Community Center, Living Word Harvest, and T.R. Hoover Community Development Center; On top of the initiatives and donation programs that take place during the annual exposition, the Fair works to maintain a year-round presence in our community. Through new and existing efforts in 2022, the Fair was able to contribute more than $618,000 in community support, which included sponsorships, cash grants, program funding of goods, in-kind donations, and investments made through our signature programs, benefiting 83 South Dallas/Fair Park area organizations and several agricultural-related programs across the state. In addition to offering financial resources, our Community Affairs department connected local organizations to foster community relationships, form partnerships, and develop initiatives that work to make a positive impact. Our ability to serve and continue growing our scope of service is strengthened through the support of our fairgoers, relationships with like-minded organizations, and dedication of our State Fair team. The Fair's Big Tex Urban Farms is a mobile agriculture system comprised of portable planting beds and hydroponic systems housed in the heart of Fair Park. The mission of Big Tex Urban Farms is to create a food system that: - Invests financial and human capital into immediate Fair Park neighborhoods and companies; - Connects like-minded food-related organizations to each other; - Provides free, fresh, organic produce to entities focused on hunger issues and healthy lifestyle programs; - Adds community gardens throughout South Dallas through our "Farming Farms" program. In its seventh full year of production, the Big Tex Urban Farms system was able to donate 18,532 pounds of fresh produce to local organizations, translating to a total of 206,060 USDA servings of fresh produce. On July 15th, the Fair reached a milestone of 1 million servings of fresh produced delivered to the community. One hundred percent of the produce grown at Big Tex Urban Farms is donated to different organizations in the local community. Our work through the Farms isn't limited to what we do inside Fair Park. A big part of Big Tex Urban Farms' missiGeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$60.9M
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