s
the Texas summer comes to an end, it’s time to celebrate everything the
Lone Star State is about. The folks in North Texas have been doing it
for 78 years at Denton’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. And with an
attendance 100,000 strong and growing, it’s definitely reached
legendary status. It all begins on Friday evening, August 18, with the
PRCA Rodeo in the Miller Lite Arena, followed by a headline performer
on the Budweiser Main Stage. Then, on Saturday morning at 10 a.m., the
celebration continues with the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo Parade,
Denton’s largest annual parade. Then nine days of ropin’, ridin’,
dancin’, and fun commence in honor of the area’s western heritage—all
at a very affordable admission price. And with 92,000 square feet of
either air-conditioned or covered areas and the coldest drinks in town,
you’ll find you can easily take the heat.
The
concerts alone are a hot entertainment value, and this year they have
more shows than ever. “You may very well catch someone who is about to
make it big,” says Executive Director Glenn Carlton. “In 2000, we
hosted Pat Green, who went on to earn three Grammy nominations and make
Billboard’s top five. But even before then, the North Texas State Fair
was known as Texas’ prime showcase for country music.” In addition to
three nightly concerts, the Acoustic Stage in the Commercial Exhibit
Building hosts a range of unplugged contemporary country and
back-to-your-roots performers.
True to the North Texas State
Fair’s mission, the event’s four rodeos preserve western heritage and
values while exhibiting the growing diversity of its dynamic culture.
First, the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Rodeo runs
nightly August 18–20. On Monday, August 21, the popular All Mule Rodeo
takes place. The Sonic 21 and Under Rodeo showcases the skills and
talent of the younger participants August 22–23. Then the Miller Lite
True to Texas Bull Blowout rounds out the event August 24–26; it’s a
professional bullfighter tour that rates the nation’s top cowboy
athletes on their ability to protect downed cowboys. On the final
Saturday, not only will the bullriders and bullfighters be competing,
but the area’s top 45 bulls will compete for the grand title in the
Bucking Bull Derby.
Former Dallas Cowboy and longtime
participant Walt Garrison brings a group of friends to attend the fair
every year. With characteristic down-to-earth candor, he says, “I used
to rodeo and I love the PRCA. In the youth event, it’s great to see the
kids out there—some may be world champions one day.” For a must-see for
all ages, Garrison recommends the mule rodeo: “It’s the highlight of
the fair! Mules are known for a lot of things, but rodeo is not one of
them. It’s more about fun than skill, and you never know what’s going
to happen.”
In a competition for the title of Northstar Bank
Rodeo Queen, women display expert horsemanship in preparation for state
and national contests. Other extras include the North Texas State Fair
Beauty Pageant, a livestock show that draws more than 700 entries, more
than 100 commercial exhibitors featuring unique, one-of-a-kind products
with a western flair, and Muttin Bustin’ races for young children.
Also for the younger set, the DATCU (Denton Area Teachers Credit Union)
Kid Zone offers many activities at no extra charge, like the Little
Blue Choo-Choo, face painting, a petting zoo, and superinflatables—not
to mention interactive participation in a western show (for more
information, see
www.dressupshows.com).
For an additional charge, carnival and midway lovers can choose from a
wide range of activities and more than 20 rides for all ages (all
sponsored by Classic Lincoln Mazda), or enjoy a pony ride or rock
climbing.
At the Syracuse Sausage Fun Zone, you can try your
hand at a game of horseshoes, but for the cat’s meow, visit the Exotic
Endangered Cats of the World Show, new this year (for information, see
www.exoticendangeredcatsoftheworld.com).
Who would have thought that a western heritage event would bring the
artistic element out in such force? The fair’s photography exhibit
alone is extensive, with more than 1,200 entrants. The creative arts
show provides additional food for thought with approximately 450 adult
entries and 100 for children’s art.
Did someone say food?
Don’t miss the 200-cook barbecue and chili cook-offs. Other obligatory
tastes include Syracuse Sausage, The Taco Lady, and Rudy’s Barbecue,
plus the usual range of favorites, from candy apples to turkey legs,
washed down with ice-cold beer, margaritas, or plenty of other thirst
quenchers. While sippin’ and sittin’ a spell, drink in the sights,
sounds, and smells of good, clean fun—not yet an endangered species in
Texas.
By Barbara Coots