“It just keeps getting better.”

Jennifer Schuder
Senior Vice President of Marketing
State Fair of Texas
.…on the sweet and savory food sensations in this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards, via Say Yes to Dallas.

We’re about a month and a half from the start of the State Fair of Texas and people are buzzing about the Big Tex Choice Awards.  Since 2005, the contest has decided which new culinary creations will sit alongside the classics, like Fletcher’s Corny Dogs. Today, you can find Fletcher’s in many places, like their food truck at Klyde Warren Park or at concession stands at various college stadiums. But their first appearance was at the State Fair of Texas in 1942.

You may not know that more than 500,000 corny dogs are sold annually during the 24 days of the state fair. That requires 1,500 gallons of mustard and 800 gallons of ketchup. The company says celebrities from Emmitt Smith to Oprah Winfrey have enjoyed Fletcher’s corny dog.

Will we still be eating Drowning Taquitos or Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick in 80 years? Only time will tell. But Jennifer Schuder—the State Fair’s senior vice president of marketing—says making the final cut is never easy.

Rousso’s Bacon Cotton Candy on a Stick is just one of 10 finalists in the 2024 Big Tex Choice Awards. [Photo: State Fair of Texas]

“I am continually amazed by the creativity and innovation in the foods that make the Big Tex Choice Awards finals,” Schuder said. “The State Fair of Texas has been hosting this contest for 20 years, and it just keeps getting better. I feel several of the items will be very popular this year!”

You can plan ahead: Here’s a lookbook of mouth-watering treats waiting for you when you step through the turnstiles at this year’s fair.

You can read the interview with Schuder here.

For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.