13 OctOber 9 - 15, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents morning sun. She had to take a hard look at their costs after last year’s fair. “Two years ago, in ‘23, chocolate chips were like $45 a box,” she says. “Last year they were $75 and this year they’re $125.” Previously, she’d just send a list to Ben E. Keith to get her massive orders filled. As easy as that was, she needed a line-item au- dit, which consumed most of their off-sea- son. Her son had a giant spreadsheet for everything they buy in bulk, and they all hunted down the cheapest products among Sam’s Club, Restaurant Depot, Costco Busi- ness Center and other suppliers. “We grew from four stands to 10 in 2021 and just got complacent about costs,” she says. Sourcing ingredients from various sup- pliers requires a lot of work, but it’s the only way to keep prices down for fairgoers. “My husband went and picked up a pallet of oil a couple of days ago and lost two 5-gallon buckets of oil down the highway,” she says, laughing a little. “He’s like, ‘You’re going to have to get this oil delivered, I can’t do this.’” One of the only things they raised the price on this year was a higher-quality weiner that is thicker and holds its form bet- ter. They also had to raise the cost of a cookie bucket by one coupon. It’s not that we or anyone else is crying for state fair vendors. Make no mistake, it’s a lucrative business when done right. These are all entrepreneurs out to make money, not just add to our waistlines. But it’s also highly competitive; everyone is hustling for the same coupons. Vendors hawk each other’s prices, a practice that can help keep prices competitive, relatively speaking. More Than 100 Things to Do K arissa Condoianis, senior vice presi- dent of public relations for the State Fair, says the fair only sets the prices for two things: tickets to get in and parking at its two lots, which is $30 this year; last year was $25 and $40, and it moved to one price for 2025. Tickets to get in went up $2 this year. The Federal Trade Commission now requires all-inclusive pricing online, so fees are added upfront, making it appear that prices have gone up even more. As far as esplanades and sidewalks that aren’t elbow to elbow, the fair assures us that traffic is on par with other years. Sure, there are situations where the right angle at the right time can make things seem sparse. But actu- ally, the fair studies heat maps and moves things around each year to make sure fairgoers get the best experience by being spread out. “I want people to know that the state fair is a nonprofit and that when you come out to have fun at the fair, you’re allowing us to do all the great things we do year-round,” Con- doianis says. In 2024, the fair gave more than $19.5 million through its philanthropic efforts, which focus on South Dallas and Fair Park neighborhoods. This included $652,000 in community funding and $1.3 million in student scholarships. The State Fair of Texas funds all the con- certs, shows, car shows and art exhibits, which are included in the price of admission. “There are more than 100 things you can do out here every day with your admission,” Condoianis says. “And we have all other stages throughout the grounds where you can experience up-and-coming artists, or deep-fried comedy on Friday night. So, all the shows you go to, whether it’s Fiesta de Marionetas or our new USA breakdance show or Mighty Mike, that’s all included with your admission.” This weekend, college football fever will descend on the fairgrounds for the Red River Showdown, pitting Texas against Oklahoma, which has been played at the Cotton Bowl since 1928. (You’ll need a ticket to get into the Cotton Bowl, but plenty of places around the fair will have it on TV.) Houston rapper Paul Wall will play on the Chevy Main Stage that same night (no extra ticket needed here). Last year, more than 212,000 people packed into the fair on the same game day. Then, Monday is Co- lumbus Day, a traditionally busy day for the fair. After that, it’s only one week left before the fair is over for another year. Maybe wait for Tuesday or Thursday, when tickets are just $12 online; Tuesday if you want discounted Midway rides, or Thursday if you want discounted food. Be- cause in this economy? Kathy Tran Tammy Stiffler says the cost of chocolate chips for her food stand almost doubled this year.
