The 2016 State Fair of Texas kicks off Friday by honoring the United States armed forces.
The fair officially opens its gates at 10 a.m. Friday, and will run through Oct. 23.
Military Appreciation Day gives all members of the military, veterans, and spouses with military identification can get in the gates for free all day Friday.
At noon, downtown Dallas celebrates the opening with the traditional parade, complete with colorful floats, drill teams and bands. The parade begins at noon from Houston and Main streets, heads east on Main to Deep Ellum.
What to See
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Throughout the 24-day run, fair attendees can "experience every aspect of Texas culture," including entertainment, art, agriculture, history, cuisine and more. Additionally, the fair will have "interactive exhibits explaining how Texas agriculture touches our everyday lives and how food gets from farm to table."
The theme this year is "Celebrating Texas Agriculture." The fair was originally established as a livestock expo in 1886. The 2016 State Fair of Texas will celebrate 130 years of history with Dallas and the Lone Star State.
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Among the distinctly Texan themes will be an exhibit for Taylor Swift. Plus, replicas of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes will be on display at the Mundo Latino "A Celebration of Cultures" exhibit at the Women's Museum.
Admission
General Admission for adults is $18 at the gate, $16 online. For children and seniors, it's $14 at the gate, $14 online. Children under two are free.
Season passes are available online and at the gate for $39.95.
Food
Concessionaires will offer several new food options at the 2016 State Fair of Texas. Click here to see a list of the latest creations making their debut Friday.
New Food Announced for 2016 State Fair of Texas
Security
DART will have an enhanced presence, they're encouraging everyone to ride DART to avoid traffic and get to the fair.
More officers will be inside Fair Park and along Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and even in Downtown Dallas.
Award Honors Dallas Police
The Dallas Police Department was honored with the fair's first ever Pride of Texas Award at Friday's opening ceremony.
The award was inspired by the tragic ambush of police officers in downtown Dallas on July 7.
Chief David Brown accepted the award on behalf of the department.
"Thank you so much for all of the appreciation you've given our officers. It has been heartfelt and much needed to keep our folks encouraged who are on the front lines protecting all of us day in and day out," he said.
Online: BigTex.com
