High School Student Tickets for State Fair of Texas Discontinued Due to Cost and Safety Issues
In recent years, a shift has been observed as many school districts phase out their "Fair Days." This year, the State Fair of Texas is making a significant change to its admission policy for high school students.
The fair, a beloved annual event in Texas, has provided free admission to students and teachers within a 100-mile radius of Fair Park through its school ticketing program for years. However, this year, the State Fair of Texas will not give away free tickets to high school students.
Karissa Condoianis, the fair's spokesperson, confirmed the change, citing "rising costs, low redemption rates, and increased safety concerns" as the reasons behind the decision. The change was communicated to school districts in March, including Dallas, Mesquite, and Richardson, which have fall break during the state fair.
This decision has sparked concern among parents like Billie Garcia from Dallas. She expressed her worry that the change may be difficult for some families to afford, especially larger ones with multiple children. Garcia stated that the free entrance helped a lot, and now that high school students have to pay the entrance fee, it's hard for some families.
Despite this change, the State Fair of Texas continues to invest in youth through free admission for younger students, scholarships, and educational programs. Pre-K through 8th grade students and all teachers for Pre-K through 12th grade will still enjoy free admission.
To maintain a safe environment, the fair is implementing a clear bag policy this year, and guns are banned on the fairground. Additionally, the State Fair of Texas requires minors to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone if entering after 5 p.m. starting from 2023.
Priscilla Rice, KERA's communities reporter, is keeping a close eye on this development. The State Fair of Texas will offer $12 discounted tickets for high schoolers to use Monday through Thursday.
This change in policy comes after a shooting incident on the fairground in 2023, which injured three people. The fair has experienced an increase in incidents involving high-school-aged guests in recent years. The decision, according to Condoianis, helps maintain a safe, family-friendly, and sustainable fair experience.
As the State Fair of Texas prepares for its annual event, it's clear that safety and affordability are at the forefront of the decision-making process. KERA News, a non-profit organisation, continues to provide coverage of this and other community issues, made possible through the generosity of its members.
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