In 1887, people flocked to the inaugural annual Texas State Fair & Dallas Exposition. In 1916, more than a million people visited the fair to meet the farmers and taste their produce. Over time, shows were designed to keep the punters happy. Auditoriums and a stadium were served by a monorail. The 1950s saw a Cotton Bowl concert by Elvis Presley, a visit from Vice President Richard Nixon – all overseen by a 52-foot statue of Texas cowboy Big Tex. By 1968, visitor numbers exceeded three million.
These photos are from goings on at a 1972 exhibition hall. The Pecan Queen is our host.
Via: Texas State Archives
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