The annual Texas State Fair is here with a new theme, “Deep in the Heart of Texans.” As if to answer Texans’ deepest wishes there is a new assortment of food and activities.

There will be more events and showcases revolving around this year’s theme that promote the idea of “Texasification.” Some of the new events include the Hall of State: “Texas Sport Legends,” and the Mundo Latino: “Futbol Soccer, A Look at the World’s Sport” Exhibit.

For those who love cars, the Chevrolet Ride and Drive is perfect because you can drive one of six new 2015 vehicles, including four different colors of the 2015 Corvette Stingray, on a prepared course.

Also, of course, we can’t have a fair without music. The Red River Music Fest will make its debut on Oct. 11 followed by the Mattress Firm Music Fest on Oct. 18. These music fests will feature country artists Deryl Dodd, Cody Canada & The Departed, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and the Casey Donahew Band.

For the kids that tag along, there is a new Wild West Pet Palooza featuring Joel Slaven’s Professional Animals. There will be dogs, cats, pigs and porcupines that have all been adopted and trained to put on a variety of shows for the whole family to watch. If that’s not enough entertainment, the Kids’ Boardwalk has free activities (yes, I said free), shows and games all for the little ones. The Ronald McDonald Show and Buford Buzzard are returning acts that will now be part of the boardwalk, which will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to the wonderful activities and exhibits, the State Fair of Texas is famous for one more important thing…fried food! Winners of the 2014 Big Tex Choice Awards have announced new fried foods that will be sold throughout the fair. Some of the new additions include Texas Fried Chicken in a Waffle Cone (looks like ice cream at first), the Fried Pumpkin Spice Oreo, Island Bourbon and Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers, Deep Fried Sweet Tea, Hot Soul Cake, Deep Fried Smoked Brisket, Polynesian Pop and Deep Fried Milk and Cookies on a Stick. There are a few more, but just listing these should be enough to make you hungry!

A lot of things have changed throughout the years including our most signature figure, Big Tex. Since the day Big Tex caught fire and was left with only his right hand and skeletal frame back in 2012, there have been a few improvements. Now at 55 feet, he is two feet taller than he was originally. A new voice has been added to Big Tex as well, but the owner of that voice still remains a mystery today. Plus, not many people know that Big Tex used to Santa Claus way back in the day.

The State Fair continues to improve and add new attractions every year. There is an entire list of new fried food, sweets and meats as well as exhibits for all sorts of lovers and ages. Don’t forget the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. You may have been before, but it will be worth another trip. Take advantage of your free ticket, go to the State Fair and see for yourself!