The 2022 edition of the Panhandle-South Plains Fair returns this week with a few changes and additions, including a new clear-bag policy, beer sales for the first time in the fair’s 108-year history and an innovation in food served on a stick.
The fair opens Thursday with its traditional Buck-a-Ride preview night from 6 to 11 p.m., when rides are only $1 each, ahead of the fair’s full run Friday through Oct. 1 at the fairgrounds at Broadway and Avenue A.
On the agenda at the Lubbock fair
Jennifer Wallace, general manager for the Panhandle-South Plains Fair, said there will be more than 40 booths run by non-profit food vendors, including familiar favorites like the Science Spectrum, area churches, band boosters and service organizations. That’s close to the pre-pandemic normal for vendor turnout, she said.
From 2021:South Plains Fair reports high attendance, big pandemic rebound
The new food concoction being introduced at the fair this year is waffles on a stick, served by volunteers at the “Wrench it Forward” booth. Expect more on this development in upcoming coverage in the Avalanche-Journal.
The Reithoffer midway show will be back, showcasing its carnival attractions including the Ferris wheel, carousel and wide assortment of thrill rides and rides for kids.
The price for admission tickets is $10 for adults, age 13 and up, and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. Children 1 and younger are admitted for free. Parking in the large lot near the fairgrounds costs $5 per vehicle.
Ride tickets can be purchased in the carnival area for $1.50 per single ticket, with deals for buying them in bulk and specials on some days.
Enhanced security at the South Plains Fair
This year, Wallace said, fair organizers opted to enhance security procedures, including increasing the number of officers at the fairgrounds at any time by six and implementing a clear-bag policy out of an abundance of caution. There will be signage in the parking lot before entry to inform visitors of the clear-bag policy.
“It’s for the safety and security of everyone,” she said. “Most people are already pretty familiar with clear-bag policies from other events, and we’d rather be safe than sorry.”
South Plains Fair introduces beer sales for the first time
Beer will be served on tap and in cans at this year’s fair, Wallace said. It’s a move that she acknowledges doesn’t come without a bit of heartburn, but she said there’s also been a growing call for the refreshment.
“I think we’ve been just about the only fair in Texas that doesn’t do beer,” she said. “We are kind of behind the times.”
Beer will be served in select locations, including a beer trailer with standard domestic tap beer (Bug Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, etc.) on tap for $5 for 16 ounces. There will also be canned options at various points in the non-profit food row. Beer can be consumed throughout the fairgrounds, but not beyond the gates.
With beer now in the mix, Wallace said, organizers are also taking increased precautions, including stopping beer sales two hours before the fair closes and that increased law-enforcement presence.
The fair will also feature its usual lineup of agricultural and livestock competitions, art displays and vendors, as well as an assortment of sideshows and musical acts.
On average about 170,000 people have attended the fair, although more turned out last year, according to fair organizers.
Last year’s fair saw 184,877 people – about a 9 percent increase from its pre-COVID-19 attendance in 2019 and well above the numbers they saw in 2020.
Special days at the South Plains Fair
Thursday, Sept 22 from 6-11 p.m.: Buck-A-Ride Night. All rides $1 a piece
Sunday, Sept. 25: Family Day: Kids 17 and under admitted free before 9 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 26: Veterans Day: Any veteran gets in the gate for $5.
Tuesday, Sept. 27: Senior Citizen’s Day: Persons 60 years of age or older get in the gate for $5.
$2 Tuesday: Each ride is $2 a piece
Thursday, Sept. 29: College Night: Present your current college ID and get in the gate for $5.
Thursday, Sept. 29 is also Wristband Day: $40 Wristband to ride unlimited rides from 3-11 p.m.
Gate hours
Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. – Midnight
Saturdays: 8 a.m. – Midnight
Paid hours
Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturdays and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Carnival hours
Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Fridays: 3 p.m. – Midnight
Saturdays: 11 a.m.– Midnight
Sunday: 11a.m. – 11 p.m.
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