East Texas State Fair gears up for opening

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – It’s almost time for the return of the East Texas State Fair, but this year things will look a little different.

“The fair is almost here the pressure is on,” Skyler Shively, Smith County extension agent, said. “We have a lot to do in a short period of time.”

With just days left before opening day, things are in full swing at the fair’s new home in West Tyler. Staff and volunteers have been preparing for weeks to welcome the crowds at their new location.

The relocation follows a the previous lease agreement ending with the city of Tyler and the fair’s continued growth.

“Right now, we’re in set up mode. We are building tents and putting fences up,” Mintie Betts, East Texas State Fair director of marketing and communications, said. “We’ve got people here you know from sunrise to sundown just getting ready and it’s really exciting because you can just finally see it happening.”

This year the fair is offering free parking on the grounds. The entrance for parking will be on Patton Lane at gate 7.

“So, you won’t have to walk through a dark neighborhood or cross a busy highway with your kids,” Betts said. “It’s all onsite, we have a professional company coming in to help manage that so we can get you in and out with ease.”

Once inside, fair goers can expect the same classic carnival rides, fair food and live music. This year and fair employees said they are excited to announce new attractions.

“This year we have pig races that are back after a few years and then we have motocross show,” Betts said.  “We also have glass blowing you can check out and then of course we have our beloved food row.”

The East Texas State Fair recommended buying tickets online to skip the line, but tickets are available for purchase at the door. The East Texas State Fair will be taking place from Sept. 20 – 29.

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