If it’s possible for an entire Metroplex to traverse through the stages of grief collectively, we did it. The moment the announcement was made to cancel the State Fair of Texas for the first time since World War 2, all of Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and beyond went into a tailspin.
Sure, we might understand the need for the cancellation, and probably even, on some level, agree with it. But it doesn’t change the fact that it hurt us in a very deep part of our hearts to know that this will be a year without Big Tex, Corny Dogs, and Turkey Legs the size of your face. The pain, for all of us, was real.
First came denial. We all know how that goes, right? “Surely they are wrong. We’ll still have the fair. I clearly didn’t hear it right.” Then we moved into anger, the most explosive of all emotions. “I HATE COVID. How dare it take away my fair!”
Bargaining came next. We offered up a lot of things to the fair gods to try to get our tradition back. “If I promise to wear a mask will you put it back on? Pretty please with sugar on top.”
Eventually, life moved on, of course. We had bigger fish to fry with school delays and worries about when it is safe to go back to life as normal. So, sad as we were, we moved on and left the stages of grief and our hopes for any normalcy in 2020 behind.
But what if I told you that you could experience joy, yes JOY, as we walk, together through the final stage of Fair Deprivation? Would you be on board? Good. Then here we go.
Find Your Fair Food in Frisco
Frisco, yes our very own backyard, has plenty of State Fair-esque spots and if we work hard enough and do enough legwork, you too can have your very own State Fair of Frisco day, complete with Corn Dogs and Petting Zoos. Game? Well, let’s get going.
Where to Eat: You don’t have to despair over the loss of your corn dog and your over-the-top fair food. The original and one and only Fletchers Corny Dogs is offering pop-ups all across the Metroplex so you can experience the corny joy. Check out Fletchers’ event calendar for more information.
Don’t see any dates that work? No worries. There’s a new spot in Frisco serving up corn dogs so outrageous and fun that you might even forget about your original. Frankseoulus, Frisco’s new Korean Fried Snack Cafe, has a corny dog for every stretch of your imagination. From the original (the Seoul Dog) to the outrageous Potato and Cheese Hot Dog, there’s something on this menu that screams OUTRAGEOUS Fair food, making this the perfect first stop on your Frisco Fair Adventure.
How about State Fair of Norma’s? As a long-time, proud sponsor of the State Fair of Texas and the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, from August – October, Norma’s Cafe is offering many of your State Fair favorites, but with a twist! Meats on sticks, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos (omg), and more…
Where to Drink: Now we’re not sure if this is true of everybody, but we know a lot of people (specifically, the Lifestyle Frisco staff) enjoy grabbing an adult beverage or two while strolling through the Fair and taking in the sights. So no Frisco Fair would be complete without a place to do the same…
If an extensive and impressive beer list is your idea of fair fun, check out Kelly’s Craft Tavern and grab a brew before moving on to your next Fair Destination (safely, of course). If you like beer but are really craving a fun mixed drink (and maybe some live music) head on over to Frisco Rail Yard and grab a Frozen Rita or an aptly named Train Wreck.
You can also check off a few other fair boxes at the Yard if you time it right and hit them up on an evening where they have live music (just like the Bandstand at the Fair) and grab yourself some Frito Pie from the Caboose. Talk about a win/win.
Where to Have Fun: One of the best parts of the fair as far as most of us are concerned, is the Midway filled with games, rides, and everything in between. While this is the hardest to recreate without the actual fair, you can come pretty darn close. Start your Fair Experience at Kartland Indoor Raceway in Frisco for a few races and an “I feel the need for speed” fix.
Then, travel on over to Monster Golf, Frisco’s newest indoor recreation one-stop, where you can bowl, play mini-golf, and hit all of the arcade games you want in one spot. Sure, there’s no Ferris wheel, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had at these two local Frisco fun zones.
Where to get your Sweet On: The Fair is ALL about the over-the-top desserts so why not make your next stop on your Fair day in Frisco a sweet spot known for going over-the-top too?
Churroholic in Frisco is the perfect over the top dessert spot to hit up for your fair sweet fix. The GIANT (seriously, you have to see them to believe it) Churros consist of insane “I can’t believe they thought of that” flavors so reminiscent of fair food you’ll feel like you have instantly transported yourself there with one bite.
In more of a frozen treat mood? Why not hit up CowTipping Creamery at the Star? With the most incredible and fun soft serve creations you could ever imagine, this foodie is partial to The Southern Charm and Reese’s With’aspoon, you will feel just like you’re strolling the midway, sweet treat in hand, as you hang out at The Star with your ice cream.
Craving a caramel apple? Try Kilwins in The Shops at Legacy (and soon to arrive at Grandscape in The Colony).
Where to get your Animal Fix: For many of us, no trip to the Fair would be complete without a stop at the animal barns, and while I’m not certain we can offer up a livestock auction within city limits, we sure can provide you with the chance to see some cute and cuddly livestock, up close and personal, in our very own town.
The Frisco Fresh Market brings in a petting zoo every year, and this fall is no exception. Stop by on September 6th to get your farm animal fix with sheep, goats, mini horses, ducks, and chickens, right at our very own farmer’s market.
Here at Lifestyle Frisco, we know there’s no replacing the State Fair of Texas. We felt the loss just as deeply as the rest of Dallas. And while we know none of these things truly take its place, we hope that, with a little imagination and a ton of innovation, we can help tide you over until next year when we’re sure the Fair will be back up and running at full steam.
Did we miss your Fair-style favorite around town? Drop us a line and let us know! We’d love to hear your suggestions.
