By: Hannah Claxton | Editor

The GO TEXAN program is a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting Texas based busi- nesses. During the State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas each year, the program puts together the GO TEXAN pavilion. Within the pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, visitors have the opportunity to sample and shop Texas-based products, learn more about agriculture and participate in family-friendly activities.

In 2023, more than $1 million in revenue was generated across nearly 67,000 products sold. Businesses with products produced or processed in Texas are invited to apply to join the program, and can visit http:// www.gotexan.org/JOIN to apply.

When visiting the State Fair of Texas, make sure to visit the GO TEXAN pavilion to support businesses driving agricultural commerce and explore Texas agricultural commodities outside of North Texas.

The State Fair of Texas is held each year in the fall, and is considered to be the first of the “majors” shows for many students involved in showing livestock. Cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even llamas all have a class to enter at the fair.

For those not showing livestock, over a hundred creative arts classes are available to enter. Canned goods, photography, quilts, paintings, and butter sculptures are all displayed throughout the fair’s duration. Another contest judges a variety of antique collections and keeps them on display throughout the duration of the fair.

It’s not the State Fair of Texas without world-renowned food. The Big Tex Choice Awards contest has solidified the State Fair of Texas as the top Fair for great food creations. Each year, State Fair concessionaires fry up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition.

The 2024 Finalists in the Savory category are: Dominican Fritura Dog (by Justin Martinez), The Drowning Taquitos (by Tony & Terry Bednar), Hippie Chips (by Rose and Tom Deschenes), Hot Chick-In- Pancake Poppers (by Palmer and Amanda Fortune), Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs (by Nick and Vera Burt).

In the Sweet category, the 2024 Finalists are: Nevins Nutty Bar- Laska (by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes), Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon On A Stick (by Isaac Rousso), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignettfle (by Justin Martinez), Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (by Heather Perkins), and Tropical Two-Step Punch (by Binh Tran).

Livestock & contests schedule of events is available in the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

By: Dave Alexander

Most everyone will agree that when it comes to great music, the state of Texas ranks as one of the best, and where you will find great music, you’re bound to find great musicians.

Meet my friend, fellow musician and renowned Texas pianist, Floyd Domino.

Floyd has recorded with such greats as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and The Texas Playboys to name a few.

He is a two-time Grammy award winner for his work with

Asleep At The Wheel and has also produced six albums of his own. His latest CD “Floyd Domino’s All-Stars” remains a top seller and is available on Amazon. His entire collection can be found at www. floyddomino.com.

Considered by his counterparts as one of the best Texas Boogie Woogie and Western Swing styl- ists of our time, Floyd remains in constant demand for his magical and charismatic touch on the key- board. Take a minute to visit his website and order his latest CD. You will be glad you did.

To see where Dave Alexander’s Radio Show will be next, pick up the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by phone, call 940-872-5922.

The Great State of Texas is known for many things. Cattle drives, oil wells, barbecue and my personal favorite, music. Texas fiddle music began in far west Texas to celebrate the cotton harvest but most of all, for dancing.

My friend, Mike Markwardt, is doing his part to ensure the next generation of Texans know and understand the importance of this music, including how it influenced country and western music long before there was a place called Nashville and how Texas musicians of today are continuing this great legacy called Western swing.

To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.