The State Fair of Texas will open to crowds this Friday for the first time in two years. Last year's fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and replaced with a drive-thru event.
"Let's just all come out, have some fun together because we haven't gotten to have a lot of fun over the past couple years, so let's do that here at the fair," says the State Fair of Texas' Karissa Condoianis.
Federal rules require face masks on public transit, so people taking DART to the fair will be required to wear a mask. At Fair Park, Condoianis says people will be asked if they have a mask at the gate. Those who do not have a mask can pick one up at the gate or at a guest relations or hospitality center at Fair Park.
Masks at Fair Park are required indoors.
"Really, it's just coming out here, doing the right thing and also respecting all of the fair-goers who are out here enjoying the fair with you," Condoianis says.
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Masks are encouraged if you will be in a crowded area outdoors, but they are not required. Condoianis says about 80% of Fair Park is outdoors.
The State Fair of Texas will also have 500 hand sanitizer stations set up around Fair Park. Each vendor will have hand sanitizer at its booth.
Condoianis says all employees of the State Fair of Texas are vaccinated, and vendors are encouraged to be vaccinated. Dallas County Health and Human Services will have a vaccination site set up near Big Tex all 24 days of the fair.
Condoianis says the State Fair of Texas will continue to communicate with the state and county and will follow any changes to protocols that are recommended. She urges people to visit bigtex.com/covid to see a complete list of precautions and the latest updates.
"That has all of our safety precautions and the 'whys' as to why we're implementing certain things so you can come out and enjoy the fair in a safe environment," Condoianis says.
While the fair starts this weekend, she says vendors and the State Fair of Texas are still looking to fill open jobs.
"It's no secret every industry if facing labor shortages right now," she says. "We're very fortunate that we have a core group of individuals who come back to the fair and work seasonally year after year. They're returning this year, but we are looking for new people. We have filled the majority of positions for the fair this year, but we are looking for more."
Condoianis says people looking for temporary work can make some money leading up to the holidays. People can see open jobs and apply at bigtex.com/jobs .
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