State Fair of Texas

A required stamp on the Texas Passport

By Matthew Berger, Director of Communication

 

The State Fair of Texas is returning to historic Fair Park, and visitors from near and far are excited. From Fletcher’s corny dogs to car shows and rides, the annual event is fun for all.

Whether you’re a seasoned fairgoer or a newbie attending for the first time, it’s the essential stamp on your Texas passport. The No. 1 rule: come hungry.

“We want people who are brand new to Texas or brand new to the Dallas Region to stamp their Texas passport while at the State Fair,” said Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the State Fair of Texas. “It’s a major tradition for a lot of people.”

At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest. Below are attractions (and fun facts) about the best fair in the country:

A birthday celebration, Texas-style
Big Tex, the famous face of the State Fair of Texas, turns 70 years old on Oct. 4. Since 1952, the 55-foot man with the 95-gallon cowboy hat has greeted fairgoers with his famous line, “Howdy folks; this is Big Tex.” This year is even more special.

“We’ll have a Texas-sized, birthday celebration for the big cowboy from Corsicana,” Schuder said. “Make sure you come to wish him a happy birthday.”

Other fun facts about Big Tex:

-His Western shirt is 200 inches x 325 inches (neck size by sleeve size). An average man’s size is 16 x 32.

-It takes 100 yards of fabric to make Big Tex’s jeans, which weigh a whopping 100 pounds with 3.5-inch rivets.

-His size-96 boots are a 1949 replica cowboy boot designed by Lucchese.

Giving back to the community
The State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization, and since its establishment in 1886, it’s promoted Texas agriculture, education, and community involvement. The fair is committed to preserving Fair Park and building on its legacy as a historic landmark.

“We host a fair on 277 acres with the largest collection of art deco buildings in the middle of it and a 90,000-seat stadium that hosts one of the most iconic college football games in the country,” Schuder said. “It’s a very different experience at Fair Park, and it only makes it better.”

Since 1992, The Big Tex Scholarship Program has also awarded college scholarships to more than 3,000 students, totaling more than $16.1 million. Scholarships vary, but the Youth Livestock Scholarship is for high school seniors in Texas who have participated in livestock events at the State Fair, and the Seasonal Employee Scholarship is for employees of the State Fair of Texas or their dependents. For more information, visit the State Fair of Texas Scholarship page.

The food isn’t all fried
In 2016, the State Fair of Texas introduced a mobile agricultural system. All produce from Big Tex Urban Farms (more than 6,000 fruits and vegetables) is donated to south Dallas organizations, including the Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center at the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Austin Street Shelter.

The urban farm’s 40-by-48-inch beds were designed and manufactured through a partnership with Dallas-based General Packaging Corporation.

“We have been a catalyst in connecting people with all of our community gardening going,” Schuder said. “Indoor agriculture is a great way to sustainably create a large output for fresh fruits and vegetables that we can donate to non-profits organizations  in Southern Dallas County, and it’s also educational for the community.”

Arts and crafts and a car show, Texas-style
The State Fair of Texas has one of the largest — and longest running — art shows in the nation. Participants compete in arts and crafts (rug making is one of 14 categories) and cooking. The Big Tex BBQ & Chili Challenge invites all pitmasters and chili cooks in the Lone Star State to show off their culinary expertise. Texas-sized bragging rights are on the line, so don’t miss out on the fun.

The State Fair is for the car enthusiasts in your life, too. Since 1913, the State Fair has hosted the Texas Auto Show. Sit in the latest vehicles from the brand you love or discover a new four-wheeled favorite.

Food, food, and more food
Some just go to the fair for the food, and we’re here for it. New food entries this year include the Deep-Fried Country Cookout, Dim Sum Loco Burritos, Cajun Lobster Bisque Croquettes, and Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake on a Stick. You can find the full list here. Come hungry and leave happy, and remember, calories don’t count while you’re at the State Fair of Texas!

The State Fair of Texas begins on Friday, Sept. 30 and runs until Sunday, Oct. 23. Read more about the State Fair of Texas here.



Say Yes to Vanguard

Name: Corey Bonner

Position: Manager in Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services

Where is your hometown?

I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and recently relocated to the Dallas Region to help launch our office in Plano.

What made you say “yes” to Vanguard?

I initially gravitated towards Vanguard as we are a mission driven organization that takes a stand for all investors. Candidly, when I look to take time away from my family and friends through work, I want to be sure I’m focusing my time on a role that is fulfilling and has purpose. But what really made me say yes to Vanguard, was the people and the culture. I could tell from my very first interview that Vanguard truly values diversity of thought and authenticity. I have made some of my best friends here and am proud to work for a leading firm among the investment management industry.

What can you find at Vanguard that you can’t find anywhere else?

A culture that puts investors first. Everyone has a strong ‘why’ for being at Vanguard and they bring that energy to work every day.

What are the benefits to Vanguard being in the Dallas Region?

We chose the metroplex because of the opportunities to bring on strong talent to help advance our mission. There is a thirst for talent among organizations around the world, and my hope is that we, as we have done in our industry, set the bar for inclusion and integrity, and attract those who wish to dedicate their careers to helping investors reach their goals.

What does the Vanguard do to give back to the community?

In addition to a robust philanthropic program, all employees receive a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) day. We also have strong partnerships that help us advance financial literacy in the communities we serve. If you can’t tell already, I have a servant heart and feel a great balance of giving back both professionally and through volunteerism.

If you could describe Vanguard in one word, what would it be?

Inclusion. At Vanguard, I feel empowered and am accepted as my authentic self. This strong foundation allows me to do my best every day and I am very grateful for that.



Finding Home in Old East Dallas

“I live in an apartment on Swiss Avenue, right next to the historic district with mansions from the early 1900s…
I think Old East Dallas is a hidden gem.”

Name: Kyra Barker

City: Dallas

Neighborhood: Old East Dallas

Company/Title: CONNECTIVE Agency, Senior Account Executive

When did you move here? Where from?

July 2019 / Eugene, Oregon

Where else have you lived?

Manhattan Beach, California, and Eugene, Oregon, where I attended the University of Oregon. I moved to Dallas after graduating with a journalism / public relations degree. You may think you know Texas, but you really don’t unless you’ve lived here! Let go of all preconceptions and just explore the state for yourself… It’s a city in Texas but it isn’t defined by the state. It’s diverse and multicultural, and more welcoming than I thought it would be.

What made you ‘Say Yes to Dallas’?

What brought us to central Texas was my boyfriend’s pursuit of a career in the aerospace industry. He grew up going to airshows and had his sights set on working for Lockheed Martin.

I was drawn to Dallas because it is such a diverse, vibrant city with so much to do. When we visited the area before the move, I just fell in love. The great weather is obviously a plus, and the restaurants are amazing.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?

I live in an apartment on Swiss Avenue, right next to the historic district with mansions from the early 1900s. It’s a fascinating area — one of Dallas’s earliest planned residential communities — where nationally renowned architects designed and built these grand estates.

I think Old East Dallas is a hidden gem. It’s in a great location, close to the CONNECTIVE Agency office, and the reasonable rent was also attractive. When I look out my window, I can see the Dallas skyline. It’s very close to the city, yet it’s still affordable.

It’s the ideal location to easily access Downtown and all the interesting surrounding neighborhoods such as Uptown, Lower Greenville, Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

Walking Swiss Avenue is one of my favorite things. The houses have plaques in front of them that give the history of the homes and details on their residential design. It’s a lovely neighborhood to walk through.

There are some great restaurants in my neighborhood. La Victoria is one of my favorites. It’s a local family-owned Mexican restaurant with the best breakfast burritos in town, and it’s just right around the corner from me. There are also some great Thai options including Sakhuu Thai and Bangkok City Restaurant that I can walk to.

I also love Deep Ellum. Pre-COVID, I went there every other weekend. I really enjoy sitting out on the outdoor patio at Deep Ellum Brewing Company.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?

You may think you know Texas, but you really don’t unless you’ve lived here! Let go of all preconceptions and just explore the state for yourself.

If you are moving to Dallas, I highly recommend living close to the city. As far as job hunting, while there are a lot of huge Fortune 500 companies that are a major draw, there are also a lot of smaller, nimble and creative startups and small businesses to consider as well.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to connect with people. In Dallas, I’ve found that people want to have a conversation with you. You don’t really get that vibe in California, especially Los Angeles. People are so busy they don’t have the time to answer your calls or questions. But in Dallas people genuinely want to help you and network with you, so don’t be shy about reaching out.

What is the one thing that you could have done to make your move easier?

If you’re moving from college, leave everything behind. Just sell it and start over anew. I moved here with three suitcases and that was it. It made my life so much easier.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?

It’s changed in a lot of ways. It’s a city in Texas but it isn’t defined by the state. It’s diverse and multicultural, and more welcoming than I thought it would be. When I moved here, I think working at CONNECTIVE was the best way for me to understand what Dallas is.

Our team is so diverse, and filled with such brilliant, kind people who are open to having conversations and value experience and ideas from other areas. I think Texas is honestly a melting pot of all the things that I love.

What would you miss most about the area if you had to leave?

I would miss a lot of things if I left. I love Dallas summers and really enjoy all the outdoor bars and restaurants the city has to offer. I would definitely miss the weather. The winters are usually mild, and the sun comes out every so often. In Oregon, we went weeks on end without sun and that definitely takes a toll on you.

I would miss the diversity of the city, the amazing food here, and so many random things to do. No matter what your passions are, you’ll be able to find a community that’s equally as passionate as you are to connect with.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?

I can’t get enough of plant shopping! I love Oasis Plant Shop in the Bishop Arts District. I also like to go to Lower Greenville as often as I can. I haven’t been exploring as many things as I’d like to because of the pandemic, but there are safe ways to get out with outdoor bar and restaurant options.

The Rustic is a really good restaurant with live music, farm-to-table food and craft beers.

Where do you go to experience culture?

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is on everyone’s favorite list, for me especially because one of CONNECTIVE’s clients, Signature Illumination Designs, does some of their lighting. I recently went to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science with my nephew, who just turned 4. He is crazy about dinosaurs and absolutely loved it.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a can’t miss for visiting guests; it really put everything into perspective for me on the JFK assassination. And one spot that I haven’t had a chance to see yet but is next on my list is the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?

My favorite outside activity is just sitting in the sun on a nice, hot Dallas day. I like going to Excelsior Park near my apartment.

Where do you like to shop? Why?

I did a lot of my Christmas shopping this year in the Bishop Arts District. I wanted to buy local and find unique boutique shops for one-of-a-kind gifts.

What is your passion, and how does the Dallas Region help fulfill it?

Sustainable living is a big one for me. I am also passionate about marketing. What I really like about marketing is finding unique ways to tell a brand story. Finding ways to communicate a brand’s message and get others excited about it is really interesting to me.

I’m able to blend my two passions through CONNECTIVE’s client Aquafil, a leading global nylon manufacturer with a sustainable product that’s helping to reshape the fashion and design industries. Our company values include going deep and creating positive experiences, and I believe that works both ways!

Who is your local hero? Why?

My local hero is Jacqueline Chen Valencia, partner at CONNECTIVE Agency. She is one of the first people I talked to in Dallas, and through the phone she gave me a great first impression. She was so kind, energetic and passionate about her work and where she lives, it gave me a really neat insight into what Dallas could be.

Jacqueline stayed in touch with me throughout my Dallas job search, and she genuinely seemed to care about me and my career goals, which I feel like you don’t find very often. I was attracted to CONNECTIVE as it’s a woman- and minority-owned business, with talented and authentic people deeply involved in making the community a better place along with our clients and partners.

Where do you feel most at home in the Dallas Region?

The plant shop or my apartment. After getting my own space, Dallas really feels like my home. I feel like it’s where I belong.

Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?

I haven’t been traveling much lately but it’s a great place to be for travel. You’re in the middle of country, so I can easily get to California to visit family or head to the East Coast to visit my brother in New York.

On Dallas’ job market

As far as job hunting, while there are a lot of huge Fortune 500 companies that are a major draw, there are also a lot of smaller, nimble and creative startups and small businesses to consider as well.

On the Dallas Community 

In Dallas, I’ve found that people want to have a conversation with you. You don’t really get that vibe in California, especially Los Angeles… in Dallas people genuinely want to help you and network with you, so don’t be shy about reaching out.



Great Place for Cycling Adventures

“With all the work across the region to expand trail and green space access, imagine the new places you can explore each day!”

By: Philip Hiatt Haigh, Executive Director, The Circuit Trail Conservancy

My name is Philip Hiatt Haigh, and I am the Executive Director of the Circuit Trail Conservancy (CTC), the public private partnership building The LOOP. My professional and personal lives recently merged in my current role building an urban trail network around the core of Dallas, but I have been riding and racing bicycles in Texas and around the country for the past 13 years.

My passion for cycling began in undergrad at Texas Tech University after watching a short film on mountain biking in British Columbia (before YouTube!). At the time, I didn’t know anything about cycling and didn’t know you could explore new places and ride trails as an adult – I hadn’t been on a bike since middle school!

After graduation, I moved back to Dallas and began riding local trails at least three times a week with my “home trail” at Rowlett Creek Preserve. The North Texas mountain biking organization, Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association (DORBA), provides great resources on all the local off-road trails, volunteer opportunities to keep our green spaces clean, and coordinating events like races and clinics to improve your handling skills.

While I still look forward to racing around the country, I’m often out scouting new routes or leading groups through beautiful parts of Dallas that most people have never seen. I think the easiest path to an adventure is on the Trinity Levee System. These gravel roads are not open to vehicles (occasional maintenance trucks) and span the city for all sorts of scenery and landscapes. Even if you don’t have a bicycle, these roads provide convenient and safe routes for everyone to enjoy.

Over the next two years, construction on a number of bicycle and pedestrian trails will make access to Dallas green space even better. The most prominent example will be a segment of The LOOP connecting the Katy Trail in Victory Park to the Trinity Strand Trail in the Design District. This 1-mile connection will allow people to get from Uptown into the Trinity Levee System (and eventually Fort Worth) – without ever leaving a dedicated trail!

It may seem like riding a bike for years may give me special insight to hidden gems – but with all the work across the region to expand trail and green space access, imagine the new places you can explore each day!

The Trails (and Tales) Go On and On

So, there you have it. For more exhaustive listings, visit our Hitting the Trails page and our Walk & Roll page. The North Central Texas Council of Governments also has a comprehensive trail page. Cyclists can visit the DORBA page, while joggers/runners can visit North Texas Runners.

Don’t forget to check out our Hidden Gems page for more of the Dallas Region’s best kept secrets.



An Outdoor Lover’s Dream

“I enjoy being outdoors and working out in the fresh air. My Uptown neighborhood – which includes the Katy Trail — offers tremendous opportunities to me.”

Name: Jacqueline Twillie

City: Dallas

Neighborhood: Uptown

Company/Title: ZeroGap, President

When did you move here? From where?
I moved here from Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016.

Where else have you lived?
I lived in Ohio (while earning my MBA at Tiffin University) and in Louisiana, where I was born.

What made you ‘Say Yes to Dallas’?
I said ‘’Yes” to Dallas because I love that there are two airports, making it easy to travel and catch a flight at any time of the day. I also chose Dallas because of the diverse base of large corporations in the city. There are so many cool neighborhoods in Dallas and it makes it easy to have unique social experiences.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
I chose Uptown because of its mix of local restaurants and its proximity to both Love Field and to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. I love that Uptown is walkable and the Katy Trail is a huge bonus.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
I enjoy being outdoors and working out in the fresh air. My Uptown neighborhood – which includes the Katy Trail — offers tremendous opportunities to me. Dallas is filled with neighborhoods that include greenspace and parks. It’s an outdoor workout lover’s dream.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
Stay in Airbnbs in the neighborhoods that interest you most and visit the restaurants and shops. You’ll uncover gems in the various neighborhoods that will help you determine the spot that is best for you.

Tell us about the work environment here.
As an entrepreneur, the work environment is exciting. I’ve been able to form great partnerships and serve clients to advance in the leadership and development of women who work within traditionally male-dominated industries. My company has been a catalyst in assisting women to deepen their impact and lead with greater confidence.

Where do you go to experience culture?
My first choice is the African American Museum of Dallas. The museum was founded in 1974 as a part of the Special Collections at Bishop College, a historically black college that closed in 1988. The museum has operated independently since 1979 and is in historic Fair Park.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Dallas Region?
Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que near Dallas Love Field and Saint Ann Restaurant in the Harwood District.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
Katy Trail or White Rock Lake for outdoor picnics, workouts, and simply being outdoors.

What is your favorite festival/event?
A fun event is the annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade and, of course, the horse and carriage rides in Uptown and Downtown Dallas during Christmas.

What is your passion, and how does the Dallas Region help fulfill it?
My passion is to eliminate the gender wage gap and to advance women’s leadership. Dallas is a great region to build a business that supports the advancement of equality in the workplace for women.