Arts & Entertainment
This State Fair Of Texas Says Howdy — In The Safest Way Possible
The State Fair of Texas will indeed go on as scheduled for 24 days next month. And there will be COVID-19 health protocols in place.

DALLAS, TX —"At this time, " says senior vice president of publicity Karissa Condoianis, "we are planning for a full State Fair of Texas."
That's right, it'a going to take more than Mother Nature to keep the fair closed. But, that being said, plans have been made to ensure that each and every Texan and tourist has the safest experience possible. The fair's health protocols for 2021 were made public yesterday.
That includes, according to Condoianis, assurances that all State Fair staff are fully vaccinated from COVID-19, "and we are strongly encouraging all of our vendors and their employees to be fully vaccinated as well."
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Dallas County also plans to have a vaccination hub set up behind Big Tex throughout the 24 days of the State Fair of Texas for fairgoers who have not yet received their vaccinations, to either get vaccinated or receive their booster shot, if eligible.
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As a matter of fact, says the spokesperson, "they are planning to offer an incentive of $20 in State Fair food and ride coupons to those who are eligible and receive their vaccine."
Overall, she says, "the State Fair of Texas team is working hard to ensure a safe environment for everyone during the Fair this year, so when you are ready to celebrate all things Texan this fall, Big Tex will be here to welcome you back. We are constantly in conversations, evaluating the latest guidance and protocols as they emerge from the national, state, and local levels. Additionally, we encourage people who are eligible to get vaccinated."
The protocols established should ensure that patrons bring nothing home but happy memories and full stomachs. "The health and safety of everyone is always the State Fair’s top priority, says Condoianis, "and the Fair will implement procedures and guidelines to protect public health."
As Condoianis explains it, "the State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization with the annual event serving as our largest fundraiser of the year. In addition, through operation every year, the Fair provides more than 7,000 job opportunities, supports hundreds of small businesses who operate during our 24-day run, and is estimated to bring more than $400 million in economic impact to North Texas."
For more information about how the fair will be conducted this year, and what health protocols will be in place, visit BigTex.com/COVID. The 2021 State Fair of Texas opens on Friday, September 24 and runs through Sunday, October 17. You can purchase season passes and premium tickets online at BigTex.com.
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