Texas SkyWay®, Human Cannonball among lofty attractions.
How high-spirited can you get at the 2007 State Fair of Texas? Answer: “The Sky’s the Limit!” If this year’s theme doesn’t make you want to rise above it all, we’ll eat our 10-gallon hats (make that 75-gallon for Big Tex).
Look up! It’s the arrival of the Texas SkyWay®, a new gondola ride that follows the path of the State Fair Midway and gives riders a view from the top – 65 feet off the ground. Says Sue Gooding, Director of Marketing/Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas, “The gondola cars have an art deco design, complete with searchlights, that blends right into the nearby architecture. The Texas SkyWay® truly showcases Big Tex, with one of the two loading platforms located within a boot stomp of the big guy himself. We already consider the Big Tex Circle the most popular area of the State Fair, so now it will be even more impressive.”
Also appearing in the sky, or at least above the crowd, is the Human Cannonball. “Two times a day, with an added show on Saturdays and Sundays,” says Ms. Gooding, “he’ll blast across Gateway Plaza.”
Towering records, rising food stars are just the beginning.
Speaking of height, how about a feat tall enough for the Guinness Book of World Records! Cardstacker (a/k/a Brian Berg) returns in an attempt to shatter the World’s Tallest Building Made of Cards record. If that’s not enough of a stand-up act, he’ll also build a city around the masterpiece.
The sky’s the limit for the State Fair’s creative new food introductions. “It took some pretty wild imaginations to come up with last year’s concoctions,” observes Ms. Gooding. “We saw the debuts of fried pralines, fried macaroni and cheese, even fried Coke.” At the 3rd annual competition over Labor Day Weekend, judges will decide which foods will tempt hungry fairgoers in 2007.
Other new State Fair spectacles are anything but down-to-earth:
- Not to be outdone by their human counterparts on TV, “Dancing with the Dogs” showcases canines with cool moves. See for yourself at the Pan American Arena.
- L’Oréal Paris brings the total Beauty Experience—including complimentary samples and services—to the East Park Plaza with The Color Space™. The mobile tour, first here two years ago, is very interactive, with such exhibits as the Truelight Pod that lets guests visualize how different kinds of light affect their hair and makeup shades.
- Celebrity gowns from as far back as 1934 will grace The Women's Museum in its “Star-Struck” exhibit.
- At the Hall of State, Neiman-Marcus will host a free 100th Anniversary celebration highlighting its memorable downtown Fortnights.
- Texas’ own Miranda Lambert, country foursome Lonestar and Christian rockers Third Day shine on the 2007 Chevrolet Main Stage. More concert announcements to come!
And how’s this for throwing a curveball into the State Fair: in conjunction with the State Fair, the Museum of Nature & Science hosts the National Tour of Baseball As America, the most significant exhibition of baseball artifacts and history ever assembled. The event runs through January 13, 2008. “This exhibition is especially thrilling because it is organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum of Cooperstown, New York,” says Nicole Small, Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Nature & Science. “You’ll have a chance to view amazing “firsts” such as the first ball pitched by Cy Young in the first World Series in 1903, and see great memorabilia from the likes of Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and other heroes. We’re incredibly excited to bring these rare objects from their home in Cooperstown, New York, and share them with baseball fans in North Texas.”
What could be more appropriate for “The Sky’s the Limit” theme than the highest, mightiest musical of them all: Disney’s The Lion King, September 20th – October 21st at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Returning to the State Fair of Texas, the award-winning Broadway musical comes roaring to life
(see accompanying article).
Get carried up, up and away with excitement for the whole family at the 2007 State Fair of Texas. “The Sky’s the Limit” to all you can see and do! For more information about all these events and exhibits, go to www.bigtex.com.
Photo Credit for Skyway, Human Cannanball and Cardstacker photos: The State Fair of Texas.
