In a couple of years, we might have a full-blown theme park right next door, if the State Fair of Texas’ plans work out. The organization hopes to develop a year-round midway park to compete, on a certain scale, with Six Flags Over Texas during the next few years, according to the DMN. The discussion came at the same time as DART announced that its line to the State Fair entrance gate will be ready to go for this year’s State Fair.
The amusement park will feature the world’s tallest space needle ride, a high-speed water ride and other midway-type attractions, along with private areas for according to State Fair officials. Expected cost is about $30 per person — 40-50 percent less than Six Flags’ before-discount entry fee, and the plans depend on how successful this year’s State Fair is — the organization says if $30 million or more in food and ride ticket sales are generated this year, it will place an order for the space needle ride. Last year’s Fair generated about $29.5 million in food and ride ticket sales, according to the DMN story.
DART’s planned September opening of its stop just outside the Women’s Museum at Parry and Exposition should make it easier to attend both the State Fair and other events at Fair Park.
The State Fair first began talking about its year-round midway park a couple of years ago, and the sky tram ride added to the midway in 2007 was the first step in that direction.
