San Diego County Fair

Can you smell the cotton candy or hear the screams of excitement coming from these g-force producing thrill rides? That’s right, folks, it’s that time of year again – the San Diego County Fair – and it was in full swing when Texas on Tour pulled into town to join the festivities.


This week we set up Texas on Tour on the same grounds that Seabiscuit won his famed race by a nose against Ligaroti back in 1938. A true sight to see, our 90’ by 60’ footprint stands out on the track like a thoroughbred stallion. And you better believe the fun hasn’t stopped since our arrival, with fairgoers, one after another, taking advantage of being able to kayak the waterways of Texas, see the Alamo and jam to live music straight from our state’s capital – all in one trip to Texas. Not to mention, it’s all at no charge. Just get your All Access Pass when you walk in and let the fun begin!

Our Green Screen room has been a popular stop for people visiting Texas at the fair. You can pick where you want to be while you’re there; maybe you want to be pictured outside of the Alamo, investigating a NASA space shuttle or even hiking in Palo Duro Canyon. Believe me, the fun never ends in that picture room. I bet you didn’t know Texas and San Diego had this in common too – stunning beaches! Just ask one of the many fairgoers like Janet from Le Mesa, who was surprised to see pictures of a beach so beautiful in Texas: “Oh my goodness, South Padre Island is beautiful!”


The surprises aren’t over yet, my southern California friends, because we’re still in town for another week. You have until the Fourth of July before we saddle up and move on to our next stop. Check out TravelTex.com and see where we’ll be next. And don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/TexasTourism or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/texastourism!

Time for me to buckle down and try this So-Cal treat, deep-fried Kool-Aid! See you at the fair!

Capitol Hill People’s Fair

Texas on Tour made its debut at the 40th Annual Capitol Hill People's Fair, an event that has raised more than $1 million for the greater Capitol Hill Community and nonprofit organizations. With a cause like this, TOT had to climb up to the Mile High City to add to the culturally rich festivities. It’s hard to believe that a little less than a year ago we were here for the Taste of Colorado!

Denver really proved itself to be a city with a lot of Texas ties. In talking with fairgoers, you would have thought every other person knew someone from Texas or had already been there. This made tons of people believe they knew a thing or two about the Lone Star State. Well, our Texas or Not kiosk had something to say about that! The kiosk shows visitors a series of 10 pictures and gives them the option to choose whether it’s “Texas or Not.” Only a select few people were able to bask in the ray of Texas glory and walk away with a prize by scoring a perfect 10 out of 10. One by one, the attendees of the People’s Fair learned through pictures that Texas has much more than you’d expect.

Ryan Harkrider rocked the main stage and brought the cool feel of Austin to a festival known for its diversity – just like our state’s capital. People were pleasantly surprised to learn that Austin and Denver had a whole lot more in common. The locals quickly realized that Austin, filled with art, culture and great entertainment, would be a cool, fun-filled spot to visit.

Until we meet again in the next city, partner. Will it be yours? Go to TexasonTour.com and find out! I’ll give you a hint … it’s home to a famous county fair in Southern California. Be sure to check back this month to see more of Texas on Tour’s good times on the road!