New carnival rides will give tourists a reason to visit Fair Park in State Fair offseason

It includes a 500-foot ride called the Top ‘O Texas Tower.

State Fair of Texas

An artist's rendering of the Top O' Texas Tower, which will anchor a new, year-round amusement park set to open in May 2013 in Fair Park.

FAIR PARK — The State Fair of Texas will, in some sense, begin early next year with a beat-the-heat equivalent called Summer Adventures. From May 4 to mid-August 2013, nearly 18 acres of Fair Park will play host to your typical carnival games and rides as well as a variety of water attractions, misters, and play pools.

The real money magnet, however, is a new 500-foot ride called the Top ‘O Texas Tower, which leisurely takes 100 people up to an epic viewing point of downtown Dallas. (In comparison, the iconic ferris wheel is only 212 feet tall.) The $12 million ride is currently under construction and expected to be completed in March. That includes 1.4 million LED lights, according to a release by The State Fair of Texas. The Top ‘O Texas Tower is a permanent attraction unique to Fair Park that will also be open come fall fair time.

Summer Adventures is geared toward a younger demographic, namely children ages 5 to 13. All the rides are free with the price of admission ($30 for adults, $25 for kids and seniors). There will be fried food favorites such as the corny dogs at Summer Adventures, however, a spokeswoman at The State Fair of Texas said other nutritious food items will be available, as well.