The State Fair of Texas returns for 2021, after being forced to cancel the 2020 exposition due to the pandemic. Plans are in high gear for this year’s event at Fair Park in Dallas September 24-October 17. The pre-fair horse shows also return this summer, leading up to the opening of the 2021 Fair. The horse shows start August 6 and run each weekend prior to the Fair in the air-conditioned Fair Park Coliseum.
Interested equine exhibitors are invited to sign up now at BigTex.com/HorseShows to be the first to know when entries open online. The entry process is expected to open by midsummer. Pre-Fair horse shows are being planned for the following dates:
• Team Roping (August 6 – 8; RSNC Ranch Sorting (August 13 –15); NRHA Reining (August 20 – 22); Barrel Racing (August 27 – 28); Arabian Show (September 3–4; Donkey and Mule Shows (September 11–12).
(Planned dates are subject to change, depending on several variables relating to COVID-19.)
Horse Shows Health Measures
Photo: State Fair of Texas
The health and safety of everyone involved remain the top priority, similar to the planning for the 2021 State Fair of Texas. The horse shows will have health and safety measures in place, such as face mask requirements, social distancing, and increased availability of hand sanitizing stations. All protocols will adhere to local, state, and federal government and health agencies’ guidelines.
In related news, the State Fair of Texas awarded over $1 million in new college scholarships this year, despite the cancellation of the Fair, their biggest fundraiser. One hundred seventy scholarships went to deserving students across Texas.
Big Tex Youth Livestock Scholarships
Photo: State Fair of Texas
The scholarships included 67 Pete Schenkel Scholarships, 97 Youth Livestock Scholarships, and two Seasonal Employee Scholarships. One Benny Clark Memorial Scholarship, one Peggy Sloan Memorial Scholarship, and two Terry Griffin Memorial Scholarships were also awarded.
The Big Tex Youth Livestock Scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors from across the Lone Star State. The scholarship recipients receive a $6,000 grant, renewable each semester if the student meets the criteria for renewal. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within the state of Texas.
Photo: State Fair of Texas
To qualify for scholarship renewal, recipients must enroll in and pass a minimum of 12 hours each semester. In addition, recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA their first semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter.
Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Proceeds help to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education. Proceeds also help improve State Fair operations.
The 2021 State Fair of Texas runs September 24 through October 17 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
