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80th Anniversary of the Texas Centennial Exposition

Jun 8, 2016 - Jun 10, 2016

A free festival at Fair Park will mark the 80th anniversary of the Texas Centennial Exposition. The June 8-11 event will include concerts, midway games and rides, fireworks and other family-friendly events.

The 1936 Centennial Exposition marked the 100th anniversary of the state's independence from Mexico. Fair Park was built for the event, which laid the foundation for the annual State Fair of Texas there. The festival will feature an exhibit focusing on Fair Park's history.

Performances will include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Brave Combo, Quebe Sisters and The Mavericks. A new children's play area with a carousel and playground equipment will be opened and free rides will be offered on the Texas Star Ferris wheel and Tower Ride.

Admission to the park's museums will be free during the event.
-From staff reports

The festival is using the marketing services of CrowdSource, which is owned by The Dallas Morning News, GuideLive's parent company. The newspaper is sponsoring the event.

Wednesday, June 8
8 p.m. -- Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Concert in the Park: Led by Assistant Conductor, Karina Canellakis, the DSO will perform light classics, movie music and other selections popular with the entire family. Fireworks follow the performance.

Thursday, June 9
6 p.m. -- Wine Walk through Fair Park sponsored by DFW Restaurant Week 365

Friday, June 10
5 p.m. -- Water Activities, Rides, Midway Games, and free rides on the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and Tower Rides. Multiple stages set up throughout the grounds with performing artists, visual artists, food and beverages.

5 p.m. -- Jazz and Blues on the Main Stage sponsored by the African American Museum. The music will begin with the Jazz Band from the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, and local jazz and blues vocalists, Sherel Riley and Joyce Lofton, and the Herbie Johnson Jazz Quartet. Fireworks follow the performance.

Saturday, June 11
10 a.m. -- Water Activities, Rides, Midway Games, and free rides on the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and Tower Rides. Multiple stages set up throughout the grounds with performing artists, visual artists, food and beverage.

5 p.m. -- 80th Anniversary Concert on the Main Stage: Brave Combo, The Quebe Sisters, and The Mavericks. Fireworks follow the performance.

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