A Kickoff to the State Fair, Saddle Up Returns to Dallas’ The Rustic For Its Boot-Scootin’ Fundraiser Benefitting Texas Students

It isn’t really fall in Texas until you’ve had a Fletcher’s corny dog. Those who attended the second annual State Fair Saddle Up at Uptown Dallas’ The Rustic can check that off their yearly bucket list. Plus, so many more fair-inspired activities.

Hosted by The State Fair of Texas and Big Tex Champion Club, Saddle Up was founded last year to benefit the Big Tex Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which provide vital educational opportunities for children across the state.

On a recent fall evening, we put on our boots and hit the town — or at least The Rustic — for a good cause.

When you think of the State Fair, what comes to mind is likely the Midway games, the Texas Star Ferris wheel, and maybe even the Red River Rivalry. But the annual event means so much more.

A one-of-a-kind celebration with a heart as big as Big Tex, this kick-off to the State Fair puts 100 percent of every bid and every table to work for the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which have awarded more than $25.3 million in auction awards and college scholarships to thousands of students across the Lone Star State since 2018 alone. At the end of the day, that’s what Texas is all about: Lone Star State-sized hospitality and generosity.

Co-chaired by Robert Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt, Saddle Up 2026 raised more than $324,000. 

Upon entering The Rustic, we were immediately offered a Fletcher’s corny dog. Before check-in. Now, that’s a way to start the event and ease any impatience while waiting in line. As we meandered through the indoor-outdoor venue, waiters circulated with the signature drink — a Saddle-Rita and other Texas-themed bites like a fried chicken sandwich, fried mac n’ cheese bites, and fried crab balls. 

It was the perfect night to wander the “Midway,” filled with vendors who offered everything from boot shining to caricatures to a full petting zoo. And, of course, no matter your age, everyone loves to try their hand at fair games. There’s just something about trying to get that basketball in a hoop while everyone watches that draws a crowd. The chance to win a stuffed Big Tex? Even better.

And it’s not a Dallas fundraiser without an incredible auction or two. The live auction featured packages that had you reaching for your wallet, from a PGA Championship VIP Experience to a Costa Rican getaway.

We were also treated to a live performance by American Idol‘s Cash Byers and Big Valley, and special activations from brands like Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott and McKinney Hat Company.

Saddle Up, folks — it’s Fair time in Texas!

PC Spotted: State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber and his wife Lisa, FOX 4’s Steve Noviello and Paige Ellenberger, Chris Khale and Austin Green, The Ticket’s Donovan Lewis, Kat Dunn, and New Country 96.3 FM’s Michelle Rodriguez.