Five stories that have North Texas talking: It’s the first day of the fair; least and most distressed cities in Texas; Southwest Airlines taking a financial hit from Harvey; and more.
In Dallas, it’s not officially fall until opening day of the State Fair of Texas. Also, today’s high will be below 90 degrees — another sign of the season’s fashionably late arrival. Bring an umbrella or light jacket though; it could rain while you're there.
Anyway, the gates of Fair Park open at 10 a.m. Pro tip: Bring a full 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water, or any 20 oz. Coca-Cola product, to donate to the North Texas Food Bank today. You’ll get into the fair for $10. Or, if you’re an active or retired member of the military, you, your spouse and kids under 18 get in free with ID today. Here’s a handy guide for ways to save money at the fair during its run.
Next, check out this year’s top new fried foods, including Big Tex winners Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger and Gulf Coast Fish Bowl. There’s more where that came from — 24 more items to be exact. The fair had a record-breaking year last year selling $56 million in coupon sales for food and rides.
Make sure to say “Howdy” to Big Tex when you’re waiting for that first of many Fletcher’s Corny Dogs. He’s got an interesting history that explains why Texans love him so much.
Say hi to KERA’s Jeff Whittington, too. He’ll be taking your questions at noon for “Anything You Ever Wanted To Know” from a spot along First Avenue. Catch the live broadcast on 90.1 FM and on KERA’s Facebook. Ask and answer questions in person or on the Facebook Live stream. You can email (anything@kera.org), call 1-800-933-5372 or tweet Jeff (@JeffWhittington), too.
Stopping by @StateFairOfTX this Fri? Join #AYEWTK w/ @jeffwhittington broadcasting LIVE at noon! Stop by, step up to the mic & ask your q's! pic.twitter.com/YBvLfNv1rM
— KERA (@keratx) September 26, 2017
Last but not least, here’s a map to download and parking info. Have fun!
Some links have a pay wall or require a subscription.
- Plano’s considered one of the most “prosperous” cities in the country. The 100 largest cities were measured on housing vacancy rate, adults not working, the poverty rate, median income ratio, change in employment, and change in business establishments. [City Lab]
- Southwest Airlines says recent earthquakes and hurricanes in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean will cut $100 million from third-quarter revenue by causing the carrier to cancel about 5,000 flights. [The Associated Press]
- This weekend’s Film + Music Conference in Fort Worth is getting filmmakers from across the world together to share tips on everything from how to light a set to how to use music in a movie. Sit down with the founder. [Art&Seek]
- How the world’s biggest cowboys boots came to be. [Texas Standard]
The High Five is KERA’s daily roundup of stories from Dallas-Fort Worth and across the state. Explore our archives here. And sign up for our weekly email for the North Texas news you need to know.
