Even though the State Fair of Texas is canceled this year, you can still visit Big Tex and enjoy some of your fair food favorites. The fair is hosting a drive-through event that runs through Oct. 18. Those who’ve purchased tickets online can have a professional photo taken with Big Tex — who will be wearing a giant mask that measures 7 feet wide and nearly 4 feet tall — before picking up Fletcher’s corny dogs, Stiffler’s fried Oreos, cotton candy and other goodies. Attendees can then drive to a designated parking lot and enjoy the food in their cars or as a picnic, as long as the groups socially distance. Those who snag a ticket will have a designated day and a specific window of time to line up for the drive-through. Up to eight people are allowed per vehicle, but no limos, buses or trailers will be admitted. Patrons can get out of their cars to pose in front of Big Tex and then receive a text with a downloadable photo on the spot. When visitors interact with anyone on State Fair grounds, they will be asked to wear masks, even while in their cars. Be sure to pack your patience and have a full tank of gas. On Sept. 26, ticket holders waited in parking lot lines as long as five or six hours. State Fair spokeswoman Karissa Condoianis says that Sept. 27′s visitors had shorter wait times and that changes will continue to be made to shorten the wait time to one to two hours.
Through Oct. 18 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (except Oct. 10), plus Oct. 12 and Oct. 15. Enter Fair Park through Gate 11, at South Fitzhugh Avenue and Lagow Street. Food-and-photo package prices range from $65 to $99; add-ons such as turkey legs and corn on the cob are available for an additional charge. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. bigtex.com/drivethru.
Information provided by Dallas News
2:45 AM on Jun 12, 2020 — Updated at 7:28 AM on Oct 1, 2020