Next month, Big Tex in all its glory will hit the skies of North Texas when the 135th State Fair of Texas kicks off at Fair Park in Dallas.
“We are now planning a full State Fair of Texas in a traditional form that everyone knows and loves, and we are grateful that we can work that way,” said Karissa Condoianis, vice president of public relations for the State Fair of Texas.
The organizers have canceled the traditional trade fair 2020 due to the pandemic. Instead, people could drive through and pick up fair food and take a picture of Big Tex.
This year it’s going to be full steam ahead, but there are still some hurdles to overcome.
Landesmesse needs seasonal workers
Condoianis said they typically hire more than 2,000 people from the DFW area to handle the gates, parking lots, concession booths, ranching, cleaning and coupon sales.
They typically have hundreds of loyal seasonal workers who show up each year, but organizers are still looking for around 1,300 temporary positions right now.
“It’s no secret that every industry is facing this labor shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the hospitality industry,” Condoianis said.
They urge people to sign up through their website to apply. Jobs start at around $ 12.38 and go up from there.
“I can say this will be my eighth state show and I have never seen us face this kind of prospect from the potential stress of a labor shortage. I am confident at this point that we are well on our way to being okay by opening day, “Condoianis said.” All of our executives are confident that we will be there in time to host the entire state show this year . Everyone is very happy to be able to welcome everyone again and to be able to run a trade fair at all. “
Aside from the 2,000 employees the State Fair of Texas pays, there are more than 7,000 job opportunities for salespeople, according to Condoianis.
Monitoring of COVID-19
The other challenge remains the ongoing pandemic, which continues to be a priority for the organizers of each event.
Over the past month, COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions in North Texas have increased and become a matter of concern for public health officials.
“We are in constant discussion to evaluate the latest guidelines and protocols being published at the national, state, and local levels. In addition, we’re encouraging people to get vaccinated and we’re in talks with Dallas County to see what we can do here at the show while we’re up and running this fall, “Condoianis said.
In the past six months, Fair Park has grown into a vaccination center where people turn up their sleeves and get a vaccination.
Dr. Philip Huang, head of Dallas County’s health and social services, said after the commissioner’s court on Tuesday that the State Fair of Texas has been a great partner. He said they are working on possibly having an area in the fall to provide vaccines to show attendees.
“We are in talks with them about whether we can try to be present during the state fair,” said Huang.
Condoianis said there will be more than 500 sanitary stations on the exhibition grounds and that they have invested in more than 300 new hands-free ones.
She said that since most of the attractions are outside, it helps keep guests and staff safe.
“When you arrive, be sure to check out the visitor guide and look at the map because in order to spread people out and create a safe environment, we have misplaced a few things that will help,” Condoianis said.
Regarding masks, organizers said they are constantly having conversations and reviewing guides and protocols as they emerge. If anything changed, they would let the guests know.
“Most of the fairgrounds are outdoors, so it’s going to be a nice, safe environment that you know and love, and that you expect from the State Fair of Texas,” said Condoianis.
The State Fair of Texas runs from September 24th to October 17th and is currently selling season tickets and premium tickets.
This year after 5 p.m. everyone is entitled to the children’s price
“I’m really excited about that. I can’t wait to bring my family out and have a great time and I think to be a kid too,” said Condoianis.
If people bring 5 canned goods on Wednesdays, they can go to the show for $ 5.
The state fair in the region is valued at $ 400 million, according to Condoianis.
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