We managed to make it to the Texas State Fair this year.  Probably should have been at home doing chores, but every once in a while you just have to go have a little fun.  The weather was perfect: 70s, light wind, and mostly cloudy until mid-afternoon – almost unusually pleasant for October.  We saved $6 per ticket to get in by bringing empty Dr. Pepper cans with us.  I’m guessing that the Dr. Pepper company had a hand in this discount, so many thanks to them – the discount was enough to offset the ridiculous parking fee.

The original Big Tex, standing 52 feet tall, wearing size 70 boots and a 75 gallon hat.

The Cotton Bowl

This year the fair ended on a sad note.  The original Big Tex, the 52 foot tall talking cowboy that was an icon of the Texas State Fair since 1952 went up in flames (seen live on the news) just a few days after I snapped his photo.  I’m so glad that we were able to see him one last time.  His big booming “Howdy” is always neat to hear.  Fair officials say that Big Tex will be reborn and ready for the fair next year.

The Texas Star, the largest ferris wheel in North America.