Get yer State Fair of Texas tickets and food on the cheap

by Lea Ann Stundins of Mommy's Wish List

Photo by Scott Dorn

"Fish eye view" of Big Tex

Ah, The Texas State Fair. Admit it, you LIKE food on a stick. You love the mountain of green and purple and aqua blue stuffed creatures your 5th-grader insists on winning on the Fairway every year, regardless of the fact that he used up 6 months worth of allowance to get them. You secretly want to spit from the top of the ferris wheel and see if you can hit that lady with the big hair. And yes, it is her fault for being such a target. You've always wanted to pet a llama. And, by golly, you NEED a funnel cake. (I think it is an essential part of the Food Pyramid).

So pack up the babies and the baby leash if need be, and head over to the Texas State Fair in Fair Park this year. Heck, even Oprah is coming this year ... for the deep-fried butter perhaps? It's a state fair so big it's a national holiday in Dallas. Dallas ISD gives kids a day off school to go, and a free ticket to get in. It's coming up quick ... September 25th to be precise! But, DO NOT PAY RETAIL! Use one of these handy ways to get a discount. Thanks to Claudia for compiling these. These deals are gathered from forums, friends, grocery stores, and neighbors. PLEASE call ahead to the ticket office to confirm your deal before you head out.

Opening Day Sept. 25: Bring a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product for donation to the North Texas Food Bank. Containers are at fair admission gates. You'll enter the state fair for $4 per donation per person.

DART Combo Ticket: Available at Kroger Food Stores. $16 buys 1 general admission to 2009 State Fair of Texas & round-trip transportation on DART the day of your visit. The new green line drops off at front gate and a second station is located within easy walking distance to the MLK entrance.

Dr Pepper $3 Tuesdays: Every Tuesday, bring an empty Dr Pepper can and enter for $3. Most rides on those Tuesdays (excluding the Thrillway, Texas Star & selected other attractions) are 5 coupons.

Dr Pepper $5 after 5 p.m.: Bring an empty Dr Pepper can to any State Fair admission gate after 5 p.m. and enter for $5.

Kroger "Three for $1" Wednesdays: Admission is $1 for each visitor bringing 3 cans of food for area food banks.

Coke $4 Thursdays: Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product and enter the Fair for $4 admission.

HealthSpring and Mature Texan Magazine sponsor of Seniors Day: FREE Thursdays for Senior Citizens 60 years and older.

FREE Cinemark Thursdays: Free admission with a Cinemark Theater ticket stub on Thursdays.

KISS-FM “Fridays at the Fair”: Half-price admission and half-price rides after 5 p.m. on any Friday. Must present coupon printed from KISS-FM website for admission offer. Half-price ride wristbands will be distributed from KISS booth outside Midway Arch from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays only.

Dickies Day: Friday, October 16, wear and show your Dickies logo clothing item at the staffed tent outside the gate and receive a voucher. The voucher is for FREE admission on Friday, October 16 only.

Any Day McDonald's Deal: McDonald's offers $4 off General Admission with one of their State Fair coupons (available on tray liner or bag stuffers) any day of the Fair. A free child ticket (with purchase of general admission) coupon is also distributed by McDonald’s. Offer may not be combined with any other offer.

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posted by M.B.