Fair Park in South Dallas stands as a symbol of a complex history marked by segregation, exclusion, and injustice.
This 139-year relationship between the State Fair of Texas and the largely Black community surrounding Fair Park reveals a nuanced narrative increasingly scrutinized as efforts to rebuild the community continue in the wake of historical displacement and loss.
As thousands of Texans prepare to attend the annual State Fair, the event echoes with the memories of a troubled past that complicates the joy and celebration it brings today.
In the 1960s, the city made a controversial decision to uproot hundreds of homes in Fair Park, beginning a painful chapter for many who have deep roots in the area.
For some local residents, the fair’s annual arrival is a source of joy and excitement, while others feel a lingering bitterness due to the history tied to the event.
Rev. Chris Simmons, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, reflects this dichotomy: “A lot of people are excited that the fair is here, and what it does, but you do have a group of individuals who it puts a bad taste in their mouth because of the history.”
This feeling is interwoven within the fabric of the surrounding community, where many believe that the city’s decisions to develop Fair Park as an attraction have hindered the neighborhood’s potential for prosperity.
In an attempt to mend this relationship, the State Fair of Texas has initiated efforts to reinvest in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The fair has poured millions into scholarships for local schools and established the year-round Big Tex Urban Farms, which provides essential produce to local food pantries.
Additionally, seasonal jobs are offered to neighborhood residents in a community that has experienced significant loss due to earlier expansions of the fair.
Faye Thomas, 87, a long-time employee at the fair, recognizes the mixed feelings surrounding the event.
Having worked there for 36 years, she recalls the changes in access to the fair, stating, “When they buy their ticket, and then when they get ready to come into the gate, I take the ticket and tell them to, ‘put a smile on your face, it’s gonna be fun.’”
Not so long ago, Thomas wouldn’t have been allowed entry to the fair due to segregation policies that restricted access for Black residents.
The fair was officially desegregated in 1961, but some local residents believed that the increased presence of the majority Black Fair Park neighborhood diminished its appeal.
In 1966, consultants claimed that Fair Park’s appeal was hindered due to the presence of “poor Negroes in their shacks,” prompting city officials to suggest the need to “eliminate the problem from sight.”
As a result, approximately 300 families were forcibly relocated through eminent domain, a process that left many receiving less than what their homes were worth.
The bulldozing of homes to make way for a parking lot marked a dark period for this vibrant neighborhood.
Today, Fair Park encompasses 277 acres, but the legacy of dislocation lingers.
Plans to create a community park aimed at making amends for the lost land began in 2020 with the guidance of nonprofit Fair Park First but have faced delays, even as fundraising efforts continue.
The city terminated its contract with the nonprofit this year over the misallocation of $5.7 million in donor funds meant for park operations.
Yet, as construction plans for a 10-acre community park aim for a summer 2026 start, the State Fair of Texas remains committed to repairing the relationship with the community.
State Fair President Mitchell Glieber acknowledges the difficult history, stating, “As painful as that was for so many, I see that as a great opportunity for the State Fair to build programs to embrace and give back to the community in meaningful ways.”
Launched during Glieber’s presidency in 2014, the fair formed a community affairs team to better understand the needs of South Dallas residents.
As a result, the fair has invested millions in scholarships, provided grants to local organizations, and operates the Big Tex Urban Farms, contributing fresh produce to the Fair Park area.
“The needs in this community are many, but we embrace the challenge of working beside community members and other partners to provide the resources that we can to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors,” Glieber added.
The Cornerstone Community Development Corporation exemplifies the fair’s positive community impacts, utilizing produce from the Big Tex Urban Farms to feed hundreds through its food kitchens.
Managed right beside Cornerstone Church, the food kitchen utilizes the fair’s contributions to address hunger in the neighborhood.
Rev. Simmons highlights the significance of these resources, saying, “A lot of people don’t know that those things are a direct result of the fair being in the community.”
Big Tex Urban Farms, established in 2016, operates from a greenhouse in Fair Park where a variety of produce, from collard greens to tomatoes, is grown via hydroponics.
Operations technician Angel Girón speaks to the farm’s education efforts, emphasizing a school program teaching kids about hydroponics and sustainable growing.
“We’re just trying to bring something new and trying to expand,” Girón noted.
For those seeking to learn how to cultivate their own produce, the farm is also accommodating.
The food produced at the farm is directed to nonprofit organizations like Cornerstone for distribution in meals.
Attendees at the Cornerstone Kitchen flock in early waiting for meals, often made up of older individuals or those facing challenges like homelessness.
Michael Walton, a regular participant, appreciates the community aspect: “The food, listening to the word, the people singing, it’s an experience.”
The kitchen serves not only meals but also a warm and welcoming environment that fosters community, with music and fellowship intertwined with each service.
During the fair, the kitchen also receives unused food from concession stands through the State Fair Cares Food Drive, which adds excitement to the meals served.
Queen Williams, a volunteer, has witnessed the impact, stating, “Whenever they get food after the fair, people come in a little more excited.”
She recalls how enthusiastic attendees become when they inquire about enjoying fair favorites, saying, “They always come [and ask], ‘y’all got some turkey legs back there?’”
The impact of the fair extends beyond mere entertainment; it resonates deeply within the local community.
The fair has also provided essential funds through grants aimed at empowering area nonprofits, including Cornerstone’s after-school programs and summer day camp, serving 125 children thanks to these resources.
Rev. Simmons understands the critical role of such support, stating, “A lot of that would not happen without the State Fair’s investment.”
Throughout the decades, Thomas has observed the fair’s evolution.
Not only have ticket prices changed, but its commitment to caring for workers and the relationship with Fair Park has also transformed.
At 87, she has no plans to retire from her role, enthusiastically affirming, “I plan to continue as long as I can. I’m 87 years old, so I’ll try as long as God will let me.”
image source from：dallasnews
