by Mike Bullock

We tell you what's new with the fair this year. You'll be welcomed with open arms by Big Tex, the friendliest cowboy in town.

DALLAS — We've all been to the State Fair. It's fried goodness, carnival rides, and cool exhibits, but it ain't anything new. So walking into the 2009 State Fair of Texas press conference, I wondered, What could I possibly learn that I don't already know? Well, this year they're shaking things up.

State Fair President Errol McKoy gives us the lowdown on new features and renovations at the fair this year, such as the new esplanade and Illumination Sensation, the new LED light show! Eduardo Carvacho of FC Dallas talks about the exciting return of FC Dallas to the Cotton Bowl for the first time since 2005. Catch the double header on Sept. 30: FC Dallas vs. New England Revolution and Mexico vs. Colombia. Gooooooooooal!

And perhaps best of all, there will be a Michael Jackson themed fun house, appropriately named “Thriller.”

Dan Dudley, safety expert, explains the obligatory daily ride inspections and safety tips. (Dudley also mentioned wearing proper clothing. You may get turned away from the rides if you are wearing flip-flops.) And it's also flu season. Dr. John Carlo, Dallas County medical director, asks that if you're sick, don't go to the fair and infect a fair full of strangers.

And with the addition of the DART green line, Gary Thomas, tells us it's $4 a day pass to ride DART from any location to the fair. For the first time since 1956, trains will be delivering patrons to the front gates of the State Fair. Another wonderful addition to the fair is that the TRE will be running on Sundays during fair season.

So get on out to the State Fair of Texas!