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**Summary:**

Posts on social media suggest some families are skipping the State Fair of Texas due to affordability concerns, even with discounted tickets. While some families claim the costs of food and rides are prohibitive, fair officials maintain that attendance is on par with previous years. The fair offers various discounts and free activities to make the event accessible to those with different budgets, emphasizing the fair’s charitable contributions which are reliant on strong attendance.

**News Article:**

**Are Rising Costs Keeping Families Away From the State Fair of Texas?**

**DALLAS (CBS News Texas) –** Social media is buzzing with claims that high costs are preventing some families from attending the State Fair of Texas this year. Posts circulating online suggest that even with discounts, the price of admission, food, and midway rides is too much for many family budgets.

“We haven’t been to the fair in years so we started looking online,” said Victor Carr, who sought out deals before his family’s visit. “The tickets were $12 online, so we were able to use the promo code — and it ended up being $48, so less than $50.”

While some families voice affordability concerns, State Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis disputes claims of low attendance, stating, “I know that may be some people’s experience, but the truth of the matter is attendance is fine at the State Fair of Texas this year.” She added that the first week is typically slower and expects attendance to increase throughout the fair’s 24-day run.

Fair organizers are keen to emphasize the availability of cost-saving measures. “We have many discounts listed at bigtex.com/discounts,” Condoianis said. The DART train is another way to save money on parking, as Beth Winstead pointed out, “We take the DART downtown and it’s very easy…For us, it’s $6 for a day pass per person, so it cost us $12.”

Beyond the rides and food, Condoianis highlighted the array of free entertainment options. “Just know when you come out to the fair there are more than 100 things you can do out here with your admission,” she said, citing shows, exhibits, and live music.

Fair officials also emphasized that a strong turnout has wider implications, the money spent “We were able to contribute more than $19.5 million through our philanthropic and Fair Park giving efforts last year alone due to the success of the prior year’s fair,” she said. All of this made possible by fairgoers.

The State Fair of Texas continues its run, hoping to provide an enjoyable and accessible experience for all.

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