The Great State Fair of Texas

Dallas' historic Fair Park will come alive once again Sept. 29 through Oct. 22, as the city hosts the annual State Fair of Texas.

Corny dogs, concerts and the famed Texas- OU football game are just a few of the highlights featured at the fair annually, which has been held at Fair Park since 1886.

Exhibits, livestock shows, art competitions and amusement park rides will be enjoyed by the thousands of visitors who are personally greeted by Big Tex, a talking 52- foot cowboy statue. Another famous sight is the Texas Star, a looming 212-foot tall Ferris wheel.

Both Big Tex and the Texas Star are examples of what people mean when they say everything 's big in Texas, but one thing that isn't big in Texas is a college student's budget.

Although the cost of most of the attractions is included in the regular general admission price of $13, a student's wallet could get hit hard by the extras. The price of food and rides can get expensive because of the coupon system. Visitors purchase a block of coupons for 50 cents each, and some food items can cost up to 10 coupons.

There are ways to get the full fair experience without having to dip into your student loan money.

Parking costs $10 per car, so try carpooling to save money. The parking lot is convenient and well lit, so using it instead of any of the makeshift parking lots off of the grounds is a good idea.

Another way to save on parking and fuel is to take the State Fair DART shuttle to the grounds from Pearl Station, which runs only on Saturdays and Sundays.

You will receive a $2 off general admission coupon for using the shuttle, but you will need to buy a $4.50 Premium Day Pass. Also, there is no parking at the Pearl Station.

To use the DART system from your neighborhood during the week, go online to www. dart.org to plan your route.

Another great way to save money is to go on discounted admission days. Opening day admission is only $4 with a full 20-oz. Coca-Cola product donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at admission gates.

Every Tuesday, admission is $3 with an empty Dr. Pepper can, and every Thursday admission is $4 with an empty 20-oz. Coca Cola bottle.

The best deal is Thursday's free admission with a Cinemark Theater ticket stub. Senior citizens age 60 or older get in free on Thursdays, otherwise admission for seniors is $9.

Advance tickets purchased at Kroger food stores are only $11.50 and group admission for 20 or more is $10.50. If you plan on going multiple days, a season's pass may be what you need. The pass costs $29.95.

Although food is a major part of the fair experience, bringing your own food and drinks can save you tons of money. Coolers are allowed, but are subject to a search by security, so don't bring any glass containers or alcoholic beverages. Coolers are not allowed in the Cotton Bowl.

If you are planning on going to the Texas- OU or the Grambling-Prairie View games at the Cotton Bowl, admission is included in the price of the game ticket for that day.

For more information, go to www.bigtex.com