Top 5 Things You Don't Know About The State Fair

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You don't even have to be a true Texan to know about Big Tex and all the fried food at the The State Fair of Texas, but here are our top five things even annual fair-goers may not know about the state fair.

• There's healthy food to eat – While the State Fair of Texas is home to more fried food inventions than most can even stomach, contrary to popular belief there is actually a wide range of healthy food you can also find at the Fair. In the food court, fair-goers can find Greek salads, fresh fruit cups, black bean soup, along with several vegetarian items. The famous Fletcher's corny dog stand even offers a vegetarian dog.

• You can see a replica of the Sistine Chapel – The fair is more than just rides and games. This year a replica of the Sistine Chapel is making its U.S. debut at the fair. The artwork is on display inside the Women's Museum at Fair Park.

• Wednesdays may be the best days to go – Texas / OU Saturday along with Columbus Day are typically the two busiest days at the fair, but if you want to avoid crowds -- try going on Wednesdays. Fair officials say historically they are the least crowded days. Plus, Wednesdays are the cheapest days. With a four can donation to the food bank, admission is just $4.

• You can bring your own food – Another way to save money at the fair is to bring your own food. Unlike at most amusement parks and sporting venues where bringing in your own food is not allowed, the Fair encourages families to bring their own food and enjoy lunch on one of Fair Parks many picnic tables.

• No one keeps track of the attendance – Last year 630,000 corny dogs were sold at the fair, but when it comes to the number of people who attended the fair last year – no one knows for sure. That's because no one counts.

Fair officials estimate close to 3.5 million people attend the fair every year, but according to one study the number maybe closer to 1.5 million.

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