The ever-popular Texas State Fair returned to Dallas on Sept. 29. It caused wild excitement from citizens around the state and beyond. The fair offers many attractions, such as: the ever famous Big Tex and Texas Star, crazy fair foods and fun activities to participate in around the park.

The Texas State Fair has always been known for Big Tex, a 55 foot robot who is known for the accident that caused him to catch fire. Big Tex was rebuilt in 2013 and replaced the 52 foot Big Tex that had been standing strong since 1952. This tragedy happened on Oct. 19, 2012, when the electric panel in the framework of Big Tex caused a fire to start on his hat. This fire caused irreversible damage to Big Tex and he had to be rebuilt. When he was finally finished, the new Big Tex featured new additions. When visitors arrive at the park, Big Tex now waves, talks and points at various locations.

The Texas Star is another popular destination at the Texas State Fair. As the largest ferris wheel in North America, the Texas Star stands 212 feet tall and is one of the most loved rides at the park. Built originally in Italy, the ferris wheel was put up in the park in 1985. From the top of the 20-story ride visitors can see the Fort Worth skyline, which is about 40 miles away from the ride.

With these popular destinations, visitors can watch various musical artists perform at the fair.

“There’s lots of fun games there, and the performance by bands and singer are major attractions too,” Sydney Denison said.

The foods featured at the park are something the fair has forever been known for. Old traditional foods like funnel cake are widely enjoyed by visitors, but crazy foods have been accepted as well.  At various stations around the fair visitors can enjoy wacky fair foods, such as deep fried chicken noodle soup on a stick, funnel cake burgers, deep fried fruit loops and tamale donuts.

“I’m not really one for branching out, but I’ve seen fried Oreos, fried mac and cheese, fried coke and other foods like that,” Denison said. “It’s always really crazy.”

Students received a day off of school on Monday, Oct. 16 to visit the fair. Friends and families take the time to enjoy the fair and its many attractions,ranging from Big Tex to crazy foods.

“My goal this year is to really branch out with the food,” Denison said.  “And I’m going spend more time with my family there. The fair is always awesome.”