In his house at Fair Park, Big Tex waits dreaming. He won’t awaken from his ancient slumber for more than six months, but the State Fair of Texas is wasting no time anticipating.
Today the fair announced its theme, which will register in artwork and promotional materials and perhaps in some ways thematically at this year’s event, and it is one I have no trouble relating to. Because this year’s theme is…me. It is also you. And him and her. It is Texans. The State Fair of Texas is “celebrating Texans.” Not Iowans. Not Californians. God help us, certainly not Oklahomans. Texans.
As a Texan whose friends, family members, and colleagues are, mostly, Texans, I approve of this theme. Let’s celebrate.
A press release from the fair elaborates:
As a homegrown Dallas institution, the Fair has a deep-seated appreciation for its local and statewide neighbors whose support makes such a big event possible each year. “Celebrating Texans” aims to shed light on the various communities that come together throughout the Fair’s 24-day run in celebration of their Texan heritage. 4-H and FFA members travel from all over the state to showcase their agricultural expertise in State Fair competitive livestock events. The Fair’s Youth Scholarship Program supports Texas high school students by awarding recipients with scholarships to help fund their college education. Exhibiting the community’s artistic talents, the Fair also hosts more than 1,100 competitions through its Creative Arts department. With community at the very heart of the Fair’s ongoing prosperity, this year’s theme pays tribute to the celebrated traditions that unite our Texas family.
Further:
With more than 100 daily attractions that offer a wide variety of entertainment, art, agriculture, history, and cuisine, there is something for everyone and every kind of interest. “The Fair brings people from all walks of life together for the same purpose – to experience and celebrate our evolving Texan culture,” says Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “There is a unique sense of community that fairgoers develop during their visit. People acknowledge their differences while appreciating the value they have in our everyday lives. At the same time, fairgoers also come to discover more about their similarities,” explains Glieber. “The Fair itself is an event that draws people not only from across the state, but from all over the country, and we’re extremely proud to be a vehicle for that unity.”
A Facebook video announcing the theme, and featuring some very well done artwork, is embedded below. The main design is intended to illustrate the seven regions of Texas, also explained here and here. The State Fair of Texas returns Sept. 29 through Oct. 22.
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