Giddyap, y’all!

The time for food, fun, rodeos and rides is upon Southeast Texas once more as the 74^th Annual South Texas State Fair comes to Beaumont.

The Fair, presented by YMBL, starts today with opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. The fair proper opens at 6 p.m. after that.

Kids 2 and under get in for free; children 3-12 pay $4; adults 13-64 pay $8; and senior citizens 65 and over pay $4 for tickets. Parking is free.

The Fair will be held from March 30 to April 9 at Ford Park Arena on 5115 I-10 South in Beaumont.

Ticket specials are as follows:

• Thursday: Admission is free to anyone who attends Opening Ceremonies. Carnival Americana Midway offers an unlimited ride wristband for $35 before 9 p.m.
• Saturday: Children 17 and under get in for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Kid’s Day. Carnival Americana Midway offers an unlimited ride wristband for $35 before 9 p.m.
• Sunday: Get in for free when you bring six non-perishable can foods for donation. Carnival Americana Midway offers an unlimited ride wristband for $35 before 9 p.m.
• Monday: Get in for $1 when you present a coupon, courtesy of Koch Pipeline, from area Neches Federal Credit Union locations. Additionally, ride prices will be $2 all evening on the Carnival Americana Midway.
• Tuesday: Get in for $2 when you present a coupon from the YMBL site (http://www.ymbl.org/events/2017/tuesday-404—200-tuesday-night) at the gate. Please print and bring the coupon to qualify. Additionally, ride prices will be $2 all evening on the Carnival Americana Midway.
• Wednesday: Get in for free when you present a coupon from Education First site (https://www.educationfirstfcu.org/about-us/education-first-family-fun-night?utm_source=YMBL&utm_medium=YMBL%20website&utm_campaign=SETX%20Fair) at the gate. It also makes one eligible for $15 wristband purchases.
• Thursday: Get in for free if you are an active, retired, reserve military, National Guard, disabled veteran, or active First Responders with your dependents. A valid military I.D., badge, or valid first responder I.D. must be shown.
• April 9: Get in for free if you bring an empty “six-pack” of Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper cans. This will also make you eligible for a $25 wristband purchase.

The Fair’s opening hours are as follows:

• Thursday at 6 p.m. (Be sure to attend the opening ceremonies to get in for free!)
• Friday at 5 p.m.
• Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Sunday at noon
• Monday through Friday at 5 p.m.
• April 8: 10 a.m.
• April 9: noon

The Carnival will remain open based on carnival attendance.

For a full list of activities, services and more, please visit their website at: www.ymbl.org.