The North Texas Fair & Rodeo returns to Denton Friday, bringing ten nights of rodeo competition, live music, carnival rides, food and family entertainment.
The 98th annual event runs August 21 through August 30. This year's fair comes as North Texas continues to experience extreme summer heat, with temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits.
Glenn Carlton, executive director of the North Texas Fair & Rodeo, says organizers have prepared areas where visitors can escape the heat, including about 50,000 square feet of air-conditioned buildings and nearly 100,000 square feet of tented and shaded space.
Carlton said visitors who are concerned about the temperatures can also wait until later in the day.
“Once that sun starts setting down, going down, it’s very comfortable out here and a very enjoyable evening,” he said.
As of now, officials are discussing whether to delay the opening of carnival rides on the hottest days. A decision is expected to be announced at 5 p.m. Thursday.
If rides are postponed, Carlton said they would open at 6 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Some rides could open even later.
“We just won’t open them till they’re comfortable to the touch,” he said.
The fair is also bringing new attractions this year, including Dinosaur Takeover, a dinosaur exhibit that features a dinosaur-themed putt-putt course. The event will also feature the Birdman of Las Vegas, who will perform a live bird show.
“We change our attractions or try to change our attractions each year to bring something new,” Carlton said.
Beyond entertainment, Carlton said the fair plays a significant role in the North Texas community. He said the organization supports 4-H and FFA projects, youth and agriculture groups and other community needs.
The fair also continues its all-inclusive ticket model, with concert and rodeo admission included in the price of a ticket. Food, beverages and carnival rides cost extra.
Visitors will also have more payment flexibility this year. In addition to the fair's Magic Money system, guests will be able to use personal credit cards.
Carlton said the goal remains providing families with a quality experience while maintaining the traditions that have kept the fair going for decades.
Visitors planning to attend on Saturday should also prepare for crowds. Carlton said two remote parking lots will be available at First Baptist Church and the TWU soccer fields, with free shuttle buses running from noon to midnight.
“If you get here and you have a hard time finding a place to park, just park at those remote lots,” Carlton said. “Those buses will run nonstop back and forth.”
The North Texas Fair & Rodeo opens Friday and continues through August 30 in Denton.
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