Fair Park (Dallas, TX)

2013.06.20 - Taking a work break day, I decided it was a good time to walk the fair grounds while it is calm and quiet. Parking near Grand Avenue and Robert McCullum Boulevard, I noticed there was an active security guard post at the gate. No charge for parking made it even better.

I headed east on Grand. During the Texas State Fair this street is lined with vendors on both sides and packed full with people. Immediately on the left is the Africa American Museum which I have to admit, I had not realized was there before. Instead, I would rush by toward, oblivious, to the corn dogs and soda.

Magnolia Lounge is a throw back to a different time. Probably where many important decision about Fair Park are made. That is speculation, but that place has that appeal.

Past the Magnolia, I found a map of the park and decided on a course. I will head north on 1st where the Old Mill Inn is located and is open year round. At this point the photography was overwhelming and I knew I wasn't going to break any walking records. Sometimes, a little extra time taking it all in is well worth it the sacrifice in speed. Besides, I am not here to break any records. 

The Dart Green Light Rail line travels along Parry Avenue with a stop at Fair Park. Highly recommended during the fair or sporting events or even today. Maybe next time, as I was coming from a bike ride in Irving and was sweaty. Sure the commuters would thank me for driving instead. 

At this end of Fair Park, there is a Veteran Memorial with a lot of names. If not for those that gave all none of this would be possible. Salute!

Don't walk too fast and miss the Texas Centennial Exposition Historical Marker. It explains the conversion of Fair Park into what it is today. 'Employing thousands of people in the midst of the Great Depression, the project resulted in the creation of impressive structures, works of art, and landscaping.'

The entrance to The Women's Museum is impressive. An Art Deco building with a  snow white lady in front of a painting with bluebonnets and a longhorn. It is a very neat place to visit, if time permits.

Walking back south, The Esplanade came in full view. During the fair, there is a light show here and it is amazing. However, not often during the fair can one look down to the other end and get an undisturbed view of the Texas Hall of State. The Esplanade divides two buildings, the Centennial Hall of Transportation building housing the Portico of Spain, Portico of Confederate States, and Portico of Texas with massive murals by Carlo Ciampaglia on the east side and the Automobile Hall of Varied Industries building housing the Portico of United States, Portico of Mexico, and Portico of France with just as impressive murals by Pierre Bourdelle on the west side.

In my wondering aimlessly, I find myself to the place where Big Tex stood. It was a sad day when he went down in flames as he represented a mythical strong image of us Texans. Almost like a super hero. However when super heros fall, they recover in grand style.With the construction crew here, I have the feeling he will be back better than ever.

The Natural History Museum faces the Leonhardt Lagoon. In the water, there are duck paddle boats that can be taken along the perimeter. While paddling, one may notice the "Pteris Multifida" by Patricia Johanson, a protector of the lagoon.

Across from the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park is an outdoor auditorium where birds of prey shows are performed during the fair. If one needs a drink there are fountains, if you get lost, a map, and if tired, some benches. 

There are hidden gems everywhere on the fair grounds. One example is the story about WRR radio and how it started to prevent tragedies as the fires in 1912 when all the trucks responded to fires south of the city and then some fires north of city started. Central command was unaware as the communication lines were destroyed. A historical marker is between the Planetarium and the Texas Discovery Gardens. 

I had not realized the Midway part of the park had been converted to Summer Adventures. It looks like a park for the kiddos but it also blocks off the entrance to the Ferris Wheel. The best time to ride it however is at night as the sun dips behind the Dallas skyline.

Needing to find an alternate route, I went down First Avenue and turned East at Pennsylvania. I can see Summer Adventures coming to life and wonder if it will be incorporated into the fair. Another cool spot down here is Gexia or Starplex. It is where many big name bands perform. This weekend, I may get to see a show there.

Circling back, I found myself walking by the farm animal and cattle pens. I believe these were super popular at first but now are a more acquired taste. How the times have changed but show can still be seen at Pan American Arena.

Another Texas State Fair treat is the nightly parade. Goes down Admiral Nimitz, which today feels surprisingly empty. But I did learn about the Texas Woofus. It is a composite of a Texas Long-horn, a sheep head's, a stallion's neck with mane, a hog's body, the dulop of a sheep, turkey tail feathers, wings, and a highly decorated strip of blanket according to sculpture, Lawrence Stevens.

On the Texas Hall of State grounds, a replica of the Statue of Liberty can be found. More imposing is the statue in honor of Robert Lee Thornton, 'For More than forty years an inspired leader and powerful force in the development of the city he loved from village to great metropolis.' If one blinks, one may miss the bear given by the city of Berlin to Dallas in 1970.

I had only one stop left before finishing my trek around Fair Park, the Cotton bowl. Former home of the Texas - Oklahoma football game and actual Cotton bowl. I fear this place may get demolished one day, like Texas Stadium, for a newer model and that would be a shame. We need some historical places so that generations can share time amongst themselves.

I walked 3.67 miles in 2 hours : 44 minutes averaging 44 minutes : 57 seconds per mile while also sight seeing. My fastest mile was the third mile at 31 minutes : 53 seconds. I took about 10,000 steps.

Total blogged miles : 72. 86 miles.