Sunny skies, mild – if not hot – temperatures and no rain were a formula for success for the 2015 State Fair of Texas.
The annual event generated in excess of $52 million in coupon sales for food and rides – an all-time record, making the event the most successful in its 129-year history.
Some of the fair’s vaunted fried offerings, such Chicken Fried Lobster with Champagne Gravy by Abel Gonzales have become a bit more pricey as well. That offering was 30 coupons, double what most of the featured fried foods cost.
With a $10 million increase over 2014’s record total in coupon sales, the proceeds from this year’s State Fair will provide additional funds to participating vendors, Fair Park facilities, community outreach programs and other aspects of the State Fair’s operations.
“From deep in our hearts, we thank all of you for making the 2015 State Fair of Texas a Fair to remember,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair president. “The past 129 years serve as a testament to the importance and value of tradition, while this year’s success shows that innovation and change are equally valuable and can be used to build upon longtime traditions. The State Fair of Texas has brought people together since 1886, and looks forward to celebrating its 130th anniversary next year.”
The State Fair of Texas is not the only state fair to set record attendance.
Attendance at the Arkansas State Fair continues to march toward a new record with sunny skies and mild temperatures forecast for the final day of the 10-day event, the Associated Press reported over the weekend.
Fair officials say 82,145 people attended Saturday to bring total attendance to 429,900 — more than 7,000 ahead of the number at the same point during the 2010 when the current attendance record was set.