Dallas,TX

Okay. You want to eat at the State Fair. If you want to save a little money - or rather - get more food for your coupons, do not just run up to the first booth that looks good. Walk around and see some exhibits or shows - all the while looking at the food prices on booths as you go by. The prices usually only vary by one or two coupons, but if you eat a lot, or have a family, they can add up to something else to eat.

Drinks vary as well. Not just in price, but in the amount that you actually get. Look for booths that have fountain drinks or beer on tap. Some booths have them in cans, although this is more common for beer than for soft drinks. A can does not fill up the cup, but tap drinks will pretty much guarantee a full glass.

Do you go to the fair to shop? Sure you do. You shop for a car or truck, you shop for souvenirs, and you shop for crafts. Some people just shop for what is cheap or on sale. So why not shop for food? You see more choices before deciding so you have a chance to figure out what you want more than other things. Which will help with the “oh, I that look’s good, I hadn’t seen that before” impulse buys. And when you finally do decide on something, you realize while you are enjoying it that part of your day at the fair is already gone and you have already saved money by waiting to eat. When you eat, take time to enjoy it. It will fill you up more. Have fun at the State Fair.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

This week should be a good time to go the fair as far as the weather is concerned. Unfortunately, we went yesterday when we not only had to find our way through the throngs of people, we had to fight through the humidity as well. In the buildings without air conditioning, we simply sat and tried not to move any more than absolutely necessary. But the humidity let the amusement through.

The K-9 show, the “Jump!” tour, was entertaining as the dog show always tends to be. The show not only had the Frisbee catching dogs, and the pole racing, but also including the jumping competition into the water tank. It was almost refreshing to the audience just to see the dogs being soaked in cool water.

The Birds of the World show at the Bandshell is always a colorful visual treat. The grace of the birds is rather peaceful to watch. Having seats in the shade was a definite plus. Although they presented basically the same show, they did through in a few new surprises. Even though I had seen the performance before, the color and grace of the birds was still captivating.

Then back to the TXU Energy Arena for the pig races. The pig races were amusing, even if it was hard to understand the master of ceremonies through the mic crammed into his face and the southern accent. There’s just something about seeing pigs race. It can be downright funny.

Tomorrow I’ll talk about the food, of which there is an abundance.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

There are a couple of good shows tonight. Macon Greyson performs at Adairs Saloon. Becca Dalrymple plays her brand of Americana Country at Love and War in Texas, Plano.

If you plan to go to the State Fair tomorrow, and are not going to the Texas-OU game, I would suggest going early enough to leave before the end of the game. If not, you will get home later than you would like.

Macon Greyson, Adairs Saloon, 2624 Commerce St., 214-939-9900. 9 p.m.

Becca Dalrymple, Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy, 972-422-6201. 8 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

If you are taking your family to the Texas State Fair, it would behoove you to plan ahead. The complete schedule can be found by following the link to the website. You can go to the date you plan to go and print out the schedule if you wish. If you plan for the shows and exhibits you want to see, you can keep the family moving, avoiding as much as possible those money - drenching side trips.

Our family is planning to go this coming Monday. My wife and I have picked out all the shows we and the boys want to see. They are spaced out such that there will be little time to do anything else. I usually let them play a game or two on the Midway. It does not take them long to realize how impossible it is to win big.

When the boys want to do something that will cost extra, I always let them know that for each of us to have a corny dog and drink costs about twenty-five dollars. Since eating is high on their priority list for the day, it usually slows them down a bit. I also point out that they had an opportunity to earn their own money. Since they did not do their chores they are empty-handed.

Riding rides has never been an issue. Our boys have never been excited about riding the rides at any fair or event with rides. For one thing, we let them know what they could have and do if they used the money elsewhere. They usually opt for the alternate plan.

With Conner, the oldest, beginning to get into cars now, the automobile shows will keep them occupied for a while. The events we have picked out alternate between things Cyndy and I want to see and would like them to see with us and things the boys want to see and we can live with. Then there are the ones just too fun to pass up. I mean, who would not want to see pig races - at least once?

I have known families who blew their family budget - and their diet - by going to the fair. They tried to see everything and do everything and pay out the wazoo for the experience (they never really see everything or do much of it at all). Mostly, people succumb to the sights and sounds of unique foods, obviously most of which is fried.

But if you plan ahead, a trip to the State Fair can be thoroughly enjoyable without emptying your pockets. Our plan? Get up, have a good breakfast, and head to the fair. After parking (the first $10) getting in (buy advance tickets at Kroger), and getting a map, we head to the first event. After the first couple of events, we get lunch and head to the next one. We’re through just before dinner time. So we head back home for dinner.

Only one meal out, and we had an enjoyable time seeing shows, exhibits, and activities at the State Fair. If we are in a good mood and they act fairly decent, they may come home with a souvenir. It did not cost us an arm and a leg. And if we did not see it, we probably did not need to - we saw what we came to see.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

First my apologies for not posting yesterday and posting late today. The weather is beginning to change - of course, it’s fair time - and I always get a cold when the weather changes. The good news is the weather is changing. The bad news is I felt like garbage.

There are plenty of things at the State Fair to see and do beside the rides, the midway, the shows, and stuffing yourself with all things fried. The Women’s Museum, the African American Museum, and the Hall of State all have wonderful exhibits and are included in the park admission. The Museum of the American Railroad is a wonderful step back in time and worth the minimal extra admission.

If you are a baseball fan, for just an extra $1 at the Museum of Nature and Science, you can see the “Baseball as America” exhibit organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The display examines the influence of baseball on fan experience, physics and technology, pop culture, racial integration, and others. You can see a Honus Wagner baseball card which I understand to be one of the rarest. Among other things, you can see the baseball tossed out by Cy Young in 1903 in the first World Series.

Daily 10 - 7, Sat. 10 -5, Sun. Noon to 5. 214-428-5555

Have a good day and peace be with you.

If you want to sneak out of work or class early and go the State Fair, this would not be a bad day to do it. Then again, is it ever a bad day when you leave early? After the bird show, the car shows, and everything fried, Ray Wylie Hubbard is playing at 3 p.m. on the Toyota Truck Stage. Kacey Musgraves performs on the Chevrolet Main Stage at 4 p.m., 5:45, and 8 p.m. Shelley Laine also performs on the Bud Light True Music Stage every hour on the hour beginning at 2 p.m. with the last show at 8 p.m.

All three performing artists are homegrown Texas talent. Ray Wylie and Shelley Laine are from the Dallas area. How else to complete a day of Pig Races, Dog Shows, Livestock Shows, fried delights, and all things Texas? Just do not tell the boss.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

A trip to the State Fair is always a little better when a live music performance is thrown into the mix. After seeing the livestock, the bird shows, eating corn dogs and other fried delights you will regret later, cruising through the Midway, and riding the new SkyWay gondola ride, settle down to a musical treat.

Tonight, as I mentioned in an earlier post, Grupo Fantasma plays at 8 p.m. on the Chevrolet Main Stage. Their mixture of rhythms will keep your feet tapping. Maybe just break out and dance. Or watch the dancers who are a little better at it. Should be interesting.

Saturday, Boyz II Men perform their harmonizing R&B. They are releasing a Motown tribute record in November, so there are sure to be some Motown classics in the show. It would be a good break in the afternoon at the fair. Grab a corny dog and beverage, find a place to seat, and listen to some good harmony.

If you are going to the fair Sunday, end the day with Bowling for Soup as they return to town for the fair. After all, they are from Denton. An irreverent show to be sure, but their onstage antics are sure to entertain. They have come a long way from being a garage band around town.

Enjoy the State Fair this weekend. All three shows are at the Chevrolet Main Stage.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

If you are not going to the fair Friday or Saturday, there are good live country shows coming to town. Check out Jimmy Webb Friday night at Poor David’s Pub. On Saturday, Billy Joe Shaver will be playing at the Granada Theater. They are both stalwarts of country music. The songs of both songwriters have been recorded by countless others and are still being recorded by the younger artists. They are both seasoned artists and at home on stage.

Jimmy Webb, Poor David’s Pub, 1313 South Lamar, 214-565-1295, 8:30 p.m. Friday. Front Gate Tickets.

Billy Joe Shaver, Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., 214-824-9933, 8 p.m. Saturday, Doors open at 7.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

A sure way to beat the 5 o’clock rush hour traffic Friday is to leave work early and go to the Texas State Fair. My mouth is already watering for a corny dog. IKEA is sponsoring a Celebrity Kitchen where noted chefs will provide their audience with cooking ideas. There are dog shows which are also a fun way to relax after walking for hours. On Friday, Brave Combo plays at 3 p.m. on the Toyota Truck Stage. Grupo Fantasma performs at 8 p.m. on the Chevrolet Main Stage.

I will be bringing you more activities, concerts, and ways to wander around Fair Park each day. The State Fair usually means fall weather and some rain along the way - both of which we could use. There will still be hot days of course, but even variation is a change of pace.

Texas State Fair, Fair Park, September 28 - October 21. Click on the link for more information.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

If you want to go country Wednesday night, there are two performers at opposite ends of the spectrum. Ed Burleson, who will be a Love and War in Texas in Plano, plays country music just like your mama used to listen to. Straight ahead, not too many frills, country music. Then there is David Allan Coe, who will be performing at House of Blues Music Hall. Coe is one of the original “outlaws” of country music back in the ‘70s. While some of the performers branded as outlaws shied away from the term, David Allan Coe wore it like a badge in amongst the tattoos. But he has put out a lot of good songs over the years. Everyone knows the words to “You Never Even Call Me By My Name.” One thing you can say about his shows - you never know what to expect. But it is never boring and always entertaining.

Ed Burleson, Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy, 972-422-6201, 7:30 p.m.

David Allan Coe, House of Blues Music Hall, Victory Park, 2200 North Lamar Street, 214-978-2583, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets at the door or Ticketmaster.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of the hottest Christian artists in the field to date. Chapman brings his show (with his two sons - Will Franklin on drums and Caleb on guitar) to the Meyerson this Wednesday on a bill that includes the rocking sounds of Sanctus Real and the songwriting and vocal talents of Bethany Dillon. A night full of sight, sound, and praise.

Steven Curtis Chapman, Sanctus Real, Bethany Dillon, Meyerson, 2301 Flora St., 214-692-0203.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

For a blast from the past tonight, go to the House of Blues and see the Average White Band. Or, on the country rock side, Reckless Kelly at the Granada. My choice though would be Radney Foster at Love and War in Texas in Plano. That is, if I am not at a food festival stuffing my face.

Average White Band, House of Blues Music Hall, Victory Park, 2200 North Lamar Street, 214-978-2583 Doors open at 7 p.m.

Reckless Kelly, Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., 214-824-9933 9 p.m.

Radney Foster, Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy, 972-422-6201 8 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Fall Festivals are upon us and are popping up all over the Dallas area. If the Addison Oktoberfest or the Plano Balloon Festival do not strike your fancy (See previous posts), the Mid-Cities Greek Food Fest is just a jaunt out 183 into Euless. The festival kicks off this evening at 6 p.m. with Taverna Night. The evening will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner (including chicken or beef souvlaki, dolmas, Greek potatoes, Greek green beans and Greek pastries). A portion of the $60 admission for Taverna Night will benefit Kidd’s Kids.

The festival itself will begin Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., continue through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. There will be food, food, and more food, including gyros, pastitsio and moussaka to baklava and other sweet delights. If that is not enough, the Taverna Grill has grilled octopus and saganaki, not to mention Greek-style sausage. Stroll through the marketplace and peruse the crafts, clothing, jewelry, and packaged foods.

16th annual Mid-Cities Greek Food Fest, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 303 Cullum Drive, Euless. 817-283-2291

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

There is something about a bunch of colorful balloons in the sky. Who has not watched a balloon slip out of a child’s grip or let go on purpose and followed it until it drifted far away out of sight? Even more fascinating - and more colorful come to think about it - is watching a gathering of hot air balloons. The Plano Balloon Festival will offer plenty of chances to do just that this weekend.

The Plano Balloon Festival begins Friday from 4-8:45 p.m. continues through Saturday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., and concludes on Sunday, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Balloons will launch Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday the balloons will launch at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. You can also pay for a balloon ride if you are adventurous. Or visit the food vendors and eat while you watch the balloons. You can also take a picnic meal and eat at your car in various locations for a good view of the balloons in flight.

Plano Balloon Festival, Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. 972-867-7566.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Wynton Marsalis comes to Dallas on Wednesday to appear at the Meyerson Center with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Marsalis, in case you haven’t been paying attention, is one of the best trumpeters and promoter of jazz music in the world today. It was with Art Blakely’s band, the Jazz Messengers, in the 1980’s that Marsalis learned of the relationship between jazz and democracy. Blakely was often heard to say, “No America, no Jazz.” Over the years, Wynton has been invited to perform with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sweets Edison, Clark Terry, Sonny Rollins, and countless other jazz legends.

To say the Wynton Marsalis plays with intensity and feeling is an understatement. When he performs, his entire being comes exploding through his trumpet. He has won countless awards and distinctions, including being the only artist to win Grammy Awards in five consecutive years. He has done as much or more as anyone else in his field to promote jazz and music to all cultures and to children.

Wynton Marsalis with the Dallas Symphony, Meyerson Center, 214-692-0203. Wed. at 8 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.