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 North Texas Fair & Rodeo, in Denton, Texas, just wrapped up its 96th year, and the North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine was glad to have gotten to be a part of the action!

Whether you’re an aspiring rodeo queen, a creative arts conisseur, or a rodeo enthusiast, the North Texas Fair & Rodeo has something for everyone. New rodeo royalty was named, the best of the best were selected out of impressive slates of sheep, goats, heifers, and steers, and each night of the rodeo was more exhilirating than the last.

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair royalty!

Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair – Reanna Santos

Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair Teen – Rhealyn Bridwell

Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair Princess – Caroline Mataska

Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair Junior Princess – Harper Mays

Congratulations to the 2024 Creative Arts Winners!

Grand Champion (Adult Arts & Crafts)- Maranda Haschke

Reserve Grand Champion (Adult Arts & Crafts)- Eric Housel

Grand Champion (Antiques)- April St. John

Reserve Grand Champion (Antiques)- KC St. John

Grand Champion (Canned Foods)- Salome Foster

Reserve Grand Champion (Canned Foods)- Christine Safieddine

Junior Grand Champion (Canned Foods)- Charlotte Kelly

Junior Reserve Grand Champion (Canned Foods)- Emerson Eck

Grand Champion (Clothing)- Lynda Harvey

Reserve Grand Champion (Clothing)- Lynda Harvey

Grand Champion (Intermediate Arts & Crafts)- Jancsi West

Reserve Grand Champion (Intermediate Arts & Crafts)- Emma Haschke

Grand Champion (Junior Arts & Crafts)- Avery Hamil

Reserve Grand Champion (Junior Arts & Crafts)- Ros Carnes

Grand Champion (Needlework)- Jeanne Jacobs

Reserve Grand Champion (Needlework)- Dana Hornung

Junior Grand Champion (Needlework)- Alana Eiter

Reserve Grand Champion (Needlework)- Taylor Thompson

Congratulations to the 2024 Youth Art Contest Champions!

Grand Champion Overall- Hailee Clemens

Reserve Grand Champion Overall- Harper Hues

3rd Place Overall- A. Tyson

Congratulations to the Cooking Contest winners!

Grand Champion Adult Cake- Lynda Harvey

Grand Champion Junior Cake- Bristol Shoemate

Grand Champion Children Cake- Landry Schwarzentraub

Grand Champion Adult Bread- Theresa Robertson

Grand Champion Junior Bread- Cason McCollum

Grand Champion Children Bread- Mia Mack

Grand Champion Adult Pie- Toni Steger

Grand Champion Junior Pie- Gibson Thomas

Grand Champion Adult Cookie- Jennifer Lee

Grand Champion Junior Cookie- Elizabeth Hall

Grand Champion Children Cookie- Mia Mack

Grand Champion Adult Candy- Dianne Ragain

Grand Champion Junior Candy- Leilah Burnside

The Horse Show and Barbecue Cook-Off are still upcoming, so make sure to stay tuned. Congratulations again to each champion for their excellent acheivement!