Several TikTokers are going viral after claiming this 12 months’s Texas State Fair appears to be like unusually empty in comparison with earlier years.

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One well-liked clip from Yajaira (@yajaira2829) confirmed a nighttime view of the fairgrounds from a experience excessive above the park. 

The textual content overlay learn “Texas state fair empty,” and from her vantage level, the halfway beneath did look sparse. Still, as a result of the video was taken at night time, it’s unclear whether or not crowds had already come and gone earlier within the day. 

@yajaira2829 I’ve by no means seen the Texas state truthful so empty 😔 #texasstatefair #dallas #empty #foryoupage #viralvideo ♬ unique sound – Chase Lowe

“I have never seen the Texas State Fair so empty,” Yajaira wrote in her video caption.

She wasn’t the one one saying attendance seemed low. Another TikToker, @user4287848079790, stated they visited the truthful on Oct. 8 and noticed the identical factor. 

“Was there from 1:45 p.m. till closing,” they wrote of their textual content overlay. “Pretty much empty.”

A 3rd creator, Alo Martinez (@babyalo22), echoed these claims by posting images she stated confirmed an nearly abandoned car parking zone exterior the fairgrounds. 

“Was there all day, and it was dead,” Martinez captioned her submit.

Is the State Fair of Texas actually lifeless this 12 months? 

The brief reply: not fairly—but it surely’s doing injury management.

Fairgoers and TikTokers have flooded social media with posts about empty midways, naked parking heaps, and a good that appears extra like a ghost city than an enormous tent carnival. As truthful officers and native press notice, although, the early days of the truthful are sometimes gradual. One spokesperson advised CBS News that whereas some households say worth hikes have stored them house, general attendance is “fine”—and that visitors often picks up because the truthful goes on. 

The Dallas Morning News echoed that view. Online chatter and clips present meals courts with few clients and scattered crowds on rides, however officers say that doesn’t inform the entire story. They argue these critics are judging the truthful by what they noticed at off-peak hours and ignoring later surges. 

Still, rising prices are including weight to these skeptical voices. Some households say that even with discounted tickets, the value of meals, rides, and parking pushes the day’s whole to $300–$350 for a household of 4. One critic advised WFAA they couldn’t justify the price anymore. 

To counter that argument, the truthful rolled out a couple of concessions. They expanded free weekend tickets for youthful college students, hoping to assist households who couldn’t come throughout weekdays. 

So is that this truthful lifeless? No—but it surely’s below hearth. The narrative of a fading truthful is gaining traction on-line. Whether the ultimate weeks will revive the vibe—or reinforce the doubts—stays to be seen.

Viewers supply theories concerning the truthful’s low attendance

Commenters who watched the viral clips concerning the State Fair of Texas’s supposedly low turnout had loads of theories about why it seemed so empty this 12 months. 

Some thought it was a type of political payback, suggesting individuals had been skipping the truthful to make some extent after the state backed President Donald Trump in final 12 months’s election.

“Maybe if the people of Texas hadn’t voted for recession, fascism, and tax cuts for billionaires, the fair might not be so empty,” one particular person wrote below Yajaira’s video. 

Another chimed in with, “Trump’s AmeriKKKa.” 

A 3rd viewer added, “I love this for Texas. Hope they had the day they voted for FAFO.” 

A fourth summed it up bluntly: “Red state politics in motion.”

Others pushed again on that concept, saying politics had nothing to do with it—the truthful’s costs did. 

“Nobody has money,” one person stated. “We’re too busy working for the Rich.” Another particular person argued this pattern wasn’t distinctive to Texas. 

“This is happening all around the country,” they stated. “They are charging 28 dollars for a turkey leg, 30 dollars to park, and 12 dollars for a lemonade. This is why people ain’t going to the fair, the cost is ridiculous.”

Commenters on Martinez’s submit echoed that frustration. 

“$30 to park, $30 entrance fee, all to get a corn dog for $15? Yeah, pass,” one wrote. 

Another added, “I’m so happy to see this. That price gouging gotta stop.”

One extra joked, “Girl, it’s cheaper to go to Six Flags and that says A L O T.”

The Daily Dot has reached out to Yajaira and Martinez by way of TikTook feedback.

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