T he State Fair of Texas officially opened its gates for the 2025 season on Friday, but the festivities really kicked off before that with a brand-new event that brought out many of Dallas’ most philanthropic fair-goers. I can practically smell the Fletcher’s corny dogs from Fair Park as I type this!

Three hundred guests (many of them boot-clad!) flocked to The Rustic on a recent (and particularly pleasant) early fall evening for the inaugural Saddle Up Benefit Concert. Hosted by The State Fair of Texas and Big Tex Champion Club , Saddle Up benefits the Big Tex Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which provide vital educational opportunities for children across the state.

Stephani and Robert Walne and Courtney and Grant Pruitt co-chaired this debut event, with Peni

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