2011 State Fair of Texas

There's something for everyone at the State Fair of Texas. The Cotton Bowl hosts one of the biggest football rivalries ever -- Texas vs. OU -- otherwise known as the Red River Rivalry. Texans call it the Texas-OU game. Okies call it the OU-Texas game. Whatever you call it, it's an exciting matchup of potential BSC candidates. The fair also showcases unique foods, rides, livestock shows, concerts and so much more. In 2009 Oprah and her BFF Gail made an appearance and taped a show to the delite of many fans.

Check out the photo gallery for the sights and scenes from the fair. It includes everything from the midway to hands-on attractions for the kids.

There are many special discounts during the State Fair of Texas. There's even an opening day deal on September 30, 2011. Bring a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product for donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at Fair admission gates and enter the State Fair for $4 per donation per person. Check the updated list of discounts and specials here.

Self parking is available on official State Fair lots for $15 per space. Look for "Official State Fair Parking" signs. Valet parking offered at Grand Avenue (daily) and Haskell/Parry (Saturdays/Sundays only) for $30.

Spaces marked for the disabled are located in each lot. First come, first serve. If spaces are filled, an attendant will direct you to the next available spaces.

Directions to the State Fair of Texas.

It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it. Here are my picks for the Top 10 State Fair foods. And yes, most of them were deep fried. I took two aspirin before I went to the Fair and I survived it! Of course I shared food with my husband, daughter and nephews too. I didn't sample them all one day either. No, it takes several days of hard work to prepare for this report.

The number one reason I go to the State Fair of Texas is to sample some interesting foods. Yes, most of them are deep fried but most of them are delicious! And State Fair food is a "sometimes food" because the fair only lasts a few weeks. You can exercise from November until mid-September in anticipation. Right?

Fried Lemonade makes it worth the price of admission. And you can't go to the fair without the traditional Fletcher's Corny Dog. They're simply the best (if you're going to eat deep-fried, processed food). But like I said, it's once a year.

The food is one of the top reasons people love going to the State Fair of Texas. 

2005 Most Creative: Viva Las Vegas Fried Ice Cream
2005 Best Taste: Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
2006 Most Creative: Fried Coke
2006 Best Taste: Fried Praline Perfection
2007 Most Creative: Deep Fried Latte
2007 Best Taste: Texas Fried Cookie Dough
2008 Most Creative: Fried Banana Split
2008 Best Taste: Chicken Fried Bacon
2009 Most Creative: Deep Fried Butter
2009 Best Taste: Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream
2010 Most Creative: Fried Beer
2010 Best Taste: Texas Fried Frito Pie
2011 Most Creative: Fried Bubblegum
2011 Best Taste: Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack

Need to buy a new car? Forget cheesey salespeople and stop by the State Fair of Texas to check out the latest models. Check out Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Hyundai, Lincoln, Lexus, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota and more. Autos located in the Automobile Building, the Centennial Building and the Outdoor Truck Zone.

Check out some cool cars from the 2010 Auto Show.