It's early October, which means Texas and Oklahoma are about to play football at the Cotton Bowl. But the rivalry matchup isn't the only big event going down in Dallas this weekend. It's also time for the State Fair of Texas.
Of all the hallowed traditions in college football, the intrinsic mingling of Texas-Oklahoma and the 24-day-long fair ranks near the top. Tailgating is the fabric of the sport, but how often can one say they've tailgated in the company of a Ferris wheel, gondolas, an auto show and a 55-foot-tall cowboy? Football comes first for the thousands making the trek for the Red River Rivalry, but it's narrow-minded to skip the State Fair of Texas' mélange as well.
ESPN's college football staff, with multiple veterans of the event on hand, polled for their best tips. Their first recommendation is a Fletcher's Original Corny Dog. According to legend, brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher invented the corn dog and debuted it at the Texas State Fair in 1942, selling them for 15 cents apiece. Their stand is just a few yards from the Cotton Bowl entrance. For those who want something heartier, a smoked turkey leg is another staple, and the clouds of smoke from the grills make a useful landmark.
Visitors should also plan a photo with the Big Tex statue, ideally with a friendly stranger to capture the full frame. Adventurous eaters may want to try the Spicy Carbonara Ramen Korean Corn Dog, while sweet-tooth fans can opt for the Dirty Dr Pepper Do-Si-Do Float. The auto show is another crowd favorite for families.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing