State Fair of Texas 2025: Safety Protocols and What to Expect
As the annual 2025 State Fair of Texas season nears, the Dallas venue will soon be packed with visitors looking to win prizes, ride attractions or eat fried treats. The fair runs this year from Sept. 26 to Oct. 19 and officials said they are expecting around two million patrons to visit this year.
Keeping those visitors safe is a top priority of fair officials, who held a news conference Thursday to announce safety protocols at the 277-acre venue. “Our safety and security plan for 2025 is continuing to communicate to our fairgoers that their safety, along with the safety of our vendors, volunteers and text team members, is our number one priority,” said fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis.
Safety Measures in Place
To ensure every fair visitor has a safe time, the fair works with Dallas police officers and security teams over the 24-day season, officials said. A 24-hour security team is stationed on the premises to help protect all areas of the fairgrounds. The fair also partners with the Dallas Police Department to develop and implement a security plan during the season.
In 2023, three people were shot and wounded on Oct. 14 at the fair. Officials said the suspect didn’t have a valid license to carry a gun. Only peace officers and qualified retired officers are permitted to carry a firearm on fairgrounds, Jeff Cotner, the fair’s director of security, said at the news conference.
Clear Bags and Access to Fair Grounds
This year, only a few select bags will be allowed into the fair, officials said. While going through security at fair entry gates, only clear bags that are 9 x 10 x 12 inches or smaller will be allowed into the park and the Cotton Bowl, according to Cotner. Small clutches or purses are also allowed but cannot be larger than 4.5 inches or 6.5 inches, Cotner said.
Exceptions will be made for medical and diaper bags, he said. All bags, however, will be inspected before entering the fairgrounds. Soft shell coolers that are 9 x 10 x 12 inches or smaller are also permitted but cannot contain loose ice, as that can prolong security searches, Cotner said.
Getting into the Fair and What’s Prohibited
As fairgoers arrive, they will notice signs telling them what security measures are in effect, which includes checks of bag and for weapons. The fair uses a weapons detection system that can automatically scan visitors as they enter, Cotner said. If someone is found to have a prohibited item, like a gun, knife, ammunition, etc. they won’t be permitted inside park grounds with it, according to officials.
More prohibited items at the fair include:
- Collapsible and folding chairs.
- Hard-sided coolers and baskets of any size.
- Firearms, ammunition, knives (other than small pocket knives), lasers and weapons of any kind including replicas, facsimiles, toys and likenesses.
- Costume, mask or face coverings not for medical reasons.
- Chemical dispensing device for personal protection.
- Aerosol cans (except sunscreen).
- Illegal drug substances or drug paraphernalia.
- Fireworks, sparklers or explosives.
- Smoke, fog or haze emitting machines or devices.
- Alcoholic beverages. Glass containers (excluding baby food jars or similar).
- Horns, whistles, megaphones or artificial noise makers.
Staying Safe and Aware
Having a safety game plan can be beneficial as you explore the fair, officials said. If you’re visiting the fairgrounds with young children or older adults, Dallas Police Department Deputy Chief Sam Ismail suggested at the news conference to take pictures of them beforehand or have an assigned meeting spot.
“If anyone gets separated, this simple step will help our officers and safety personnel to locate them quickly,” Ismail said. It’s also important to not leave items in your car, or conceal them if can, he said.
Options include burgers, Mexican-Japanese pastries, tacos, fried chicken and one of the most expensive dinners Dallas has ever seen.
Online tickets are going to cost fairgoers $2 more without discounts.
Tickets might be more expensive this year, but there are deals and discounts on fair admission available every day of the week.
Conclusion
The State Fair of Texas is a beloved event that attracts millions of visitors each year. With the new safety protocols in place, visitors can enjoy the fair with peace of mind. By following the rules and regulations, visitors can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the State Fair of Texas:
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