(Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Tyler native Chiquita Thompson has fond memories of attending the East Texas State Fair since childhood. At a new venue and under new leadership, she felt the difference at opening day but believes a new direction may be for the better.

“There’s a lot of memories over there, so I really wanted to see it,” said Thompson, who was accustomed to attending the event at its old fairgrounds. “This is very different, but I think it’s gonna be better.”

The fair’s 108th season opened Friday for the first time at the Park of East Texas, at 11315 State Highway 64 West. For over a century, the fair was held at the fairgrounds on Front Street near the Tyler Rose Garden.

Thompson is hopeful about the fair’s future and believes change, while sometimes tough, can lead to something better.

She was one of a sea of attendees Friday who were there to enjoy the fair’s popular attractions including music, a petting zoo, Food Row, carnival rides and games, and more.

East Texas State Fair staff was also on hand and filled with excitement for the event.

“It’s our 108th year, and we’re at new grounds. So it’s super exciting,” said Mintie Betts, East Texas State Fair director of marketing and communications. “Every little moment feels real, but then, at the same time, it doesn’t feel real.”

It took about five months to turn an old junkyard into a fairground, Betts said. What used to be just red clay and trees is now a parking lot with pathways for visitors on the 300-acre property.

Parking for the fair is located at 204 Patton Lane, accessible from Highway 31 or Highway 64.

Visitors should look for road signs, especially the black and orange message boards, whether coming from North or South Tyler. After taking a left onto either highway, follow the signs to Patton Lane and Gate 7.

“It is more orderly and keeps traffic flowing better. So there shouldn’t be any wait times at any point or any kind of stops along the way. It should be a continuous flow,” said Cody Rosenbalm, president and CEO of the East Texas State Fair.

A third-party contractor is managing the parking lot, and the team is collaborating with TxDOT and engineers to ensure safe access from Highway 64, especially considering a blind hill in the area. They will have cones, lights and staff on-site to manage traffic when it gets dark.

There will be plenty of cars arriving, staff assisting with parking and lights guiding the way.

Thompson likes the new space, noting it has more room, especially for parking, which is a big improvement. She points out that Patton Lane seems busy, which could be a concern, but thinks it will likely be just as crowded as it was on Front Street.

“We’ll just learn to live with it,” Thompson said.

Betts encourages visitors to allow extra time for their trips to the fair, as staff can’t predict how busy it will be. She emphasizes the goal of ensuring the community can enter and exit safely. She advises looking for road signs and checking the Facebook page and website for information.

“It’s new for everybody. It’s even new for us,” Betts said.

Tyler resident Beatrice Lopez was initially surprised by the change but figured the construction of the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center meant a new location for the fair was likely. She felt the old spot no longer made sense, as it was becoming too small to accommodate Tyler’s growth.

Rosenbalm previously said finding a new location was 20 years in the making. In August 2023, the City of Tyler ended the lease agreement at the Front Street location, prompting fair leadership to fulfill the task of finding a new spot to host the event. The former fairgrounds area has been renovated into an expansive Rose Complex which includes the conference center. Additionally, the fair has grown in size since its beginnings and had maxed out space at the original spot.

Lopez feels there is much more room at the new location and said it doesn’t feel as crowded or cramped, allowing for a more comfortable experience. There are typically about 200,000 visitors over the 10-day event, Rosenbalm previously said.

The fair is very family-friendly. Lopez likes coming in the morning when it’s less crowded and has been bringing her children since they were babies. Now, she’s looking forward to sharing the experience with her grandchildren.

Chandler resident Bera Woodard attended the fair on Senior Day to socialize with others her age. Although there is more seating now, she said there’s also more sun. She said when the fair was on Front Street, it had more shade and tables, especially around the stage.

Lopez added that the new location is nice but suggests that parking could be improved, as she noticed a few people struggling in the dirt. Overall, she feels positive about the direction in which the fair is heading.

It’s been exciting to see the changes, Lopez said, especially when the tents and fences went up and carnival equipment arrived earlier this week. Anticipating people arriving later that evening for dinner and live music, she said it’d feel even more special with the carnival lights coming on.

“That’s when it’ll start to feel magical,” Betts said.

Now through Sept. 29, fair hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

For Food Row, admission is free on Fridays until 2 p.m. to enjoy lunch from the many offerings.

The carnival opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon Saturday and Sunday. Carnival ticket booths will close one hour before rides close.

Fair admission is free for children under 5, $6 for ages 5 to 12 or $12 for 13 and up. Unlimited ride carnival wristbands are $37. Purchase tickets online at https://www.etstatefair.com/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the fair.

If You Go

WHAT: 108th East Texas State Fair

WHEN: Sept. 20-29. Fair hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The carnival operates Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. Ticket booths close an hour before closing time.

WHERE: The Park of East Texas, 11315 Hwy. 64 W.

DIRECTIONS: While the location is on Highway 64 West, the main entrance will be on Patton Lane, across from Dixie Elementary School. The most efficient route is to travel west on Highway 31 and then turn right onto Patton Lane.

COST: Admission is $12 for adults ages 13 and up. Kids ages 5 to 12 are $6, and children ages 0 to 4 are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $37. Individual ride tickets are $0.50 each, with 20 tickets for $10, 65 tickets for $30, and 140 tickets for $65.

TICKETS/MORE INFORMATION: etstatefair.com