Introduction to the State Fair of Texas Log Ride
A growing line of about 30 people crowded the area around the State Fair of Texas Log Ride on Wednesday morning. As the line grew longer on a morning when temperatures were in the low 80s, groups of teens, families and children talked among themselves, recalling what they loved about the ride before excitedly jumping into one of the logs for what could be their last time ever. The State Fair announced recently that the Midway’s Log Ride will be permanently closing at the end of this fair season.
History of the Log Ride
The ride, introduced in 1986, takes riders through three tunnels while splashing them ever-so-suddenly with water before approaching a slight hill, lifting them over and dropping them downward into a pool of water. The Log Ride has been a staple of the State Fair of Texas for many years, providing a fun and exciting experience for fairgoers of all ages.
Reactions to the Log Ride’s Closure
Patricia Torres has been coming to the fair for the last two years. She said the Log Ride is the only Midway attraction she rides, and it’s an event she always liked doing with friends. “I’m sad but I’m happy I got to experience it one last time,” she said. The Log Ride occupies about 28,000 square feet of space, and its popularity tends to fluctuate based on the weather, said Rusty Fitzgerald, senior vice president of Midway operations.
Plans for the Log Ride’s Space
Retiring the large ride will free up space in an area of the park that gets easily crowded, he said. “What we’re hoping to do is open up that area, be able to expand the kiddie area, kind of give space between rides, and actually put in benches for the parents (so) that they can sit down while kids ride rides,” Fitzgerald said. The fair plans to also expand the streets around the area where the Log Ride is located in order to ease foot traffic in the area.
Impact of the Weather on the Log Ride’s Popularity
More people ride the Log Ride when it’s hot, according to Jason Hays, the State Fair’s senior vice president of brand experience. Fair officials acknowledge that this year’s weather has been warmer than usual, meaning the Log Ride has been a hot attraction for fairgoers. The ride stores 14 logs. When it gets packed, Hays said the long lines become an issue. Removing the Log Ride brings the possibility of more versatility to the Midway, he said.
Future Plans for the Midway
Right now, there’s no plan for a big replacement ride, Fitzgerald said. The area will be used to create more free space, walking area and comfortable sitting areas. The State Fair owns about six rides at Fair Park; all the rest are handpicked by Fitzgerald from other fairs operating throughout the country. Whenever a ride is added, its capacity and how many people can get on at once are considered, he said. “That extra space will let me pick a few more,” Fitzgerald said.
Fairgoers’ Reactions to the Log Ride’s Closure
Katy Korman had just gotten off the ride with her family on Wednesday when she saw how long the line had gotten. Due to the turnout, she said she wondered if the fair would reconsider keeping the Log Ride after seeing the number of people who love it come out for a last ride. “It’s the only ride that’s water-based,” she said. “It makes you feel like a kid again, it’s very nostalgic.” The last day to take the Log Ride for a spin will be Sunday, the final day of the fair’s 2025 season.
Things to Enjoy at the State Fair of Texas
This weekend marks the last day of this year’s run for the seasonal event. Here are five things to enjoy at the State Fair of Texas before the season ends on Sunday.
Here’s your guide to the 2025 State Fair of Texas, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19, from tickets to concerts, from food to hours.
Meet Club América Femenil, the Mexican power set to play Dallas Trinity at the State Fair. América has reached four finals in Liga MX Femenil since it launched in 2017, winning championships in 2018 and 2023.
Conclusion
The State Fair of Texas Log Ride has been a beloved attraction for many years, providing a fun and exciting experience for fairgoers of all ages. Although it will be permanently closing at the end of this fair season, the space it occupied will be used to create more free space, walking area, and comfortable sitting areas. The fair plans to expand the streets around the area where the Log Ride is located to ease foot traffic and create a more enjoyable experience for visitors.
FAQs
Q: When will the State Fair of Texas Log Ride be permanently closing?
A: The Log Ride will be permanently closing at the end of this fair season, on Sunday.
Q: What will happen to the space occupied by the Log Ride?
A: The space will be used to create more free space, walking area, and comfortable sitting areas.
Q: Will there be a replacement ride for the Log Ride?
A: Right now, there’s no plan for a big replacement ride.
Q: How many rides does the State Fair own at Fair Park?
A: The State Fair owns about six rides at Fair Park.
Q: What is the guide to the 2025 State Fair of Texas?
A: The guide includes information on tickets, discounts, concerts, food, and more, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19.
