Big Tex Goes Up at the State Fair of Texas: FULL VIDEO
Watch State Fair of Texas members put Big Tex in his place for the 2024 State Fair of Texas.
Dallas, Texas – The excitement is palpable as the State Fair of Texas opens its gates this Friday. For Texans, this annual event is not just a fair; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and, of course, food. This year, the fair promises to be bigger and better, with a plethora of unique culinary creations that are already catching the attention of fairgoers.
A Feast for the Senses
As you stroll through Fair Park, your senses will be overwhelmed by the tantalizing aromas wafting from food stalls. From Texas-themed candied pork belly bacon bites to decadent caramel macchiato fritters, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Here’s your guide to some of the most popular foods and the best-rated creations from this year’s food competition.
2024 Big Tex Choice Award Winners
The Big Tex Choice Awards are a highlight of the fair, showcasing the most innovative and delicious dishes. Here are the winners for 2024:
Dominican Fritura Dog (2024 Best Taste – Savory)
Winner: "Best Taste – Savory"
Creator: Justin Martinez
This dish is a savory explosion of flavor, featuring fritura cheese and Dominican salami, double deep-fried in corn dog batter. Topped with garlic plantain chips, a secret Dominican sauce, and cilantro, the Dominican Fritura Dog is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a unique culinary experience.
Location: Trio on the Green, Coliseum.
The Drowning Taquitos
Creators: Tony & Terry Bednar
These hand-rolled corn tortillas are stuffed with tender shredded chicken and deep-fried to perfection. Served in a cup and "drowned" in a tangy cream sauce, jalapeño, guacamole salsa, and more, these taquitos are a savory delight.
Location: Centennial Building, Tower Building Food Court – Tony’s Taco Shop.
Hippie Chips
Creators: Rose and Tom Deschenes
These wavy potato chip nachos come with your choice of zesty homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a tangy drizzle of sriracha. For an extra kick, blue cheese crumbles can be added.
Location: Tower Food Court – Baily’s.
Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers
Creators: Palmer & Amanda Fortune
A delightful combination of savory Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese, these poppers are rolled into a ball, dunked in pancake batter, and fried until golden brown. Finished with a drizzle of Sriracha honey and Nashville hot powdered sugar, they’re a sweet and spicy treat.
Location: Greenhouse – Bert’s.
Texas Fried Burnt Ends Bomb
Creators: Nick and Vera Bert
These mouthwatering bombs feature brisket wrapped in shredded potatoes, bacon, and cheese, deep-fried, and topped with a raspberry chipotle barbecue glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
Location: Hall of State, Creative Arts, Fun Way, Kid Way, Cotton Bowl Plaza – Bert’s.
Nevins Nutty Bar-Laska
Creators: Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes
This sweet treat combines the classic nutty bar with toasted marshmallow, Oreos, strawberry sauce, and freeze-dried strawberry pieces, all served on a stick.
Location: Go Texan Pavilion, MLK Jr. Blvd – Nevins Nutty Bar.
Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick (2024 Best Taste Sweet)
Winner: "Best Taste – Sweet"
Creator: Isaac Rousso
This innovative dish features a thick piece of bacon cooked to perfection and glazed with cotton candy. The bacon is spun in a cotton candy machine and torched to caramelize the center, creating a delightful sweet and savory experience.
Location: Grand Place, Tower Building Food Court, MLK Jr. Blvd near Cotton Bowl Stadium, Cotton Bowl Plaza – Magnolia Beer Garden, Holy Biscuit, Who Dat Daiquiris.
Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignetffle
Creator: Justin Martinez
Inspired by New Orleans beignets and childhood nostalgia, this treat combines a fluffy beignet and crispy waffle topped with homemade strawberry filling, sweet vanilla icing, and whipped cream, all served on a stick.
Location: Centennial Building, Gateway Pavilion – Granny’s, Granny’s Funnel Cakes.
Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (2024 Most Creative)
Winner: "Most Creative"
Creator: Heather Perkins
These cotton-candy-flavored pickle slices are coated in cereals like Lucky Charms™, Froot Loops®, and Cap’n Crunch®, layered in cotton candy, and served with vanilla ice cream for a whimsical treat.
Location: Tower Building Food Court – Candy Pickle Factory.
Tropical Two-Step Punch
Creator: Binh Tran
This refreshing punch features a mix of citrus, passionfruit, and mango, marinated overnight for a crisp and tangy flavor. Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, it’s the perfect way to cool down at the fair.
Location: Grand Place – Pineapple Man.
Fun New Favorite Foods
The State Fair of Texas is also introducing several new favorites that are sure to become instant classics:
Caramel Macchiato Fritters
These creamy coffee cake balls are dipped in beignet batter and fried until golden brown, served with whipped cream, caramel, and white chocolate drizzle. A syringe filled with espresso allows you to inject coffee into every bite!
Location: Near Big Tex, Dinosaurs at the Lagoon – Crazy Ottos, Gulf Coast Grill.
Churro Crumble Cheesecake
A rich New York-style cheesecake is coated in Belgian chocolate and rolled in churro crumbles, topped with dulce de leche sauce and warm churro bites for a decadent dessert experience.
Location: Tower Building Food Court – Drizzle Cheesecakes.
Crookie
This delightful treat combines a flaky croissant filled with cookie dough, topped with more cookie dough, and baked to perfection. With multiple flavors available, it’s a sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
Location: Fun Way – Stiffler’s Mom’s Cookie Factory.
Fried Matcha
Celebrating matcha in two ways, this dish features crispy fried mochi matcha ice cream and a deep-fried matcha sando filled with Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries.
Location: Tower Building Food Court – Sandoitchi.
Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog
This spicy twist on a classic features a hot dog and mozzarella cheese, battered and coated with Hot Cheetos crumbs for an extra crunch.
Location: Neon Tex – Korean Corn Dogs.
Pork Belly Ceviche Tamales
A savory corn tamal topped with crispy pork belly, fried yuca, sweet plantains, and pico de gallo, drizzled with jalapeño glaze for a flavorful dish.
Location: Lone Star Blvd – Milagro Taco Cantina.
Texas BBQ Rib Deviled Eggs
A mouthwatering twist on the classic, these deviled eggs are topped with barbecue rib meat and crisp coleslaw for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Location: Tower Building Food Court – So Eggciting Deviled Eggs.
Waffle Stix
These warm, fluffy waffles on a stick are dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy toppings, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Location: Tower Building Food Court – Waffle Works.
Fair Favorites
No visit to the State Fair of Texas is complete without indulging in some beloved classics:
- Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs: Available at multiple locations including Big Tex Circle and Fun Way.
- Turkey Legs: Found throughout the fairgrounds, including the Front Gate and Cotton Bowl Plaza.
- Funnel Cake: A staple at the Front Gate and Tower Building.
- Fried Oreos: Available at Cotton Bowl Plaza and Fun Way.
- Roasted Corn: A favorite at various locations including Lone Star Blvd.
As the State Fair of Texas kicks off, the excitement surrounding Big Tex and the culinary delights awaiting fairgoers is undeniable. With a lineup of innovative dishes and classic favorites, this year’s fair promises to be a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the State Fair of Texas is an experience not to be missed!