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Nonprofit · EIN 75-6002511

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

Tax-exempt · DALLAS, TX 75210

Financials

$77.7M$67.3M2023$81.1M$74.2M2024
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
December 31, 2024990$81,058,544$74,197,261$6,861,283$153,357,581$42,684,539$110,673,042
December 31, 2023990$77,695,676$67,263,108$10,432,568$144,211,303$41,687,677$102,523,626
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$5,216,843
Program service revenue
$70,135,902
Investment income
$5,825,995
Net gain from sales of assets
$1,785,058
Net income from fundraising events
-$120,196
Other revenue
-$120,196

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$4,324,616
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$3,490,103
Other salaries and wages
$13,950,395
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$20,217,834
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Legal fees
$1,207,786
Accounting fees
$231,522
Occupancy
$2,614,676
Travel
$190,673
Depreciation
$3,863,625
Program services (functional)
$62,516,247
Management and general (functional)
$7,780,147
Fundraising (functional)
$3,900,867

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$144,211,303
Total assets, end of year
$153,357,581
Total liabilities, end of year
$42,684,539
Net assets, end of year
$110,673,042
Land, buildings and equipment
$21,486,781
Publicly traded securities
$52,011,354
Net assets without donor restrictions
$110,612,666
Net assets with donor restrictions
$60,376
Gross receipts
$86,624,958
Employees
2,559
Volunteers
1,667
Year formed
1886
State of legal domicile
TX

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
Mitchell GlieberPresident
Officer
45$857,875$65,128
Jaime NavarroCOO
Officer
45$500,160$66,228
Lindsay ClarkCFO
Officer
45$378,105$34,481
Daryl RealSVP - Livestock
Highest-paid employee
45$342,886$47,516
Jennifer SchuderSVP - Marketing
Key employee
45$343,035$40,801
Russell FitzgeraldSVP - Operations
Key employee
45$328,138$40,222
Karissa CondoianisSVP - Public Relations
Highest-paid employee
45$320,831$41,904
Melanie LinnearSVP - Food and Beverage
Key employee
45$279,892$39,393
Jason K HaysSVP - Brand Experience
Key employee
45$270,833$32,304
Leah Anthony SchulzController
Highest-paid employee
45$203,356$27,163
Margaret HannahVP - HR
Highest-paid employee
45$182,424$33,625
Nathan GrossVP - Fair Operations
Key employee
45$189,627$23,882
Robert HilbunRETIRED GENERAL MANAGER
Highest-paid employee
5.11$183,751$266
Robert AbtahiDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Cheryl AmerineDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
17 more people on this return
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Sean AllenDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Heath CheekDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
John de la Garza IIIDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Lois FinkelmanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Brian P FoleyDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Gilbert GerstTreasurer/Vice Chairman
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0
John DHarkey JrDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Wendy LopezDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Steve MancillasDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Felix J Lozanno IIIDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Alyssa G MartinDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Frank MihalopoulosDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Warren MayberryDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Gina NorrisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
James C RobertsDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Bruce A SiffordBoard Chair
Trustee or director
6$0
Mary SuhmDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 35 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
Mitchell GlieberPresident
Officer
45$885,500$64,760
Jaime NavarroCOO
Officer
45$409,156$65,697
Robert HilbunGM/SVP
Key employee
45$426,371$42,739
Lindsay ClarkCFO
Officer
45$348,118$34,399
Jennifer SchuderSVP, Marketing
Key employee
45$297,152$41,968
Russell FitzgeraldSVP, Operations
Key employee
45$287,721$39,538
Karissa CondoianisSVP, Public Relations
Key employee
45$283,112$40,323
Daryl RealSVP, Livestock
Key employee
45$269,629$42,888
Melanie LinnearSVP, Food and Beverage
Key employee
45$253,112$37,975
Jason K HaysSVP, Brand Experience
Key employee
45$237,458$29,120
Leah Anthony SchulzController
Highest-paid employee
45$196,847$27,212
Susan BrosinDirector-Development
Highest-paid employee
45$187,797$33,523
Margaret HannahDirector- HR
Highest-paid employee
45$162,534$23,776
Nathan GrossDirector, Fair Operations
Key employee
45$168,175$17,528
Kelly PoundDirector, Sponsorships
Highest-paid employee
45$148,339$29,998
David RussDirector, Games
Highest-paid employee
45$144,702$20,631
Robert AbtahiDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Marissa AnchiaDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Sean AllenDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Heath CheekDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Victor ElmoreDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Robert EstradaDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Lois FinkelmanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Gilbert GerstTreasurer/Vice Chairman
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
John DHarkey Jrdirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Brian P Foleydirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Wendy LopezDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Steve MancillasDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Alyssa G MartinDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Frank MihalopoulosDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Warren MayberryDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Gina NorrisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Vana HammondDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
James C RobertsDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Bruce A SiffordBoard Chair
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
3921 MLK JR BLVD, DALLAS, TX 75210-1003
In care of
% LINDSAY CLARK
Principal officer (990 for 2024)
MITCHELL GLIEBER, PO BOX 150009, dallas, TX 75315
Signed the 990
Lindsay Clark, CFO
Phone
(214) 421-8701
Return prepared by
BRUCE E BERNSTIEN & ASSOCIATES

Mission

THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS CELEBRATES ALL THINGS TEXAN BY PROMOTING AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT THROUGH QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT IN A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH PROCEEDS HELPING TO PRESERVE AND IMPROVE FAIR PARK; UNDERWRITE MUSEUM, COMMUNITY, AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS; AND HELP IMPROVE STATE FAIR OPERATIONS TO HELP PUT ON THE NEXT STATE FAIR OF TEXAS. OUR NONPROFIT PURPOSE IS FUNDED THROUGH THE PROCEEDS FROM THE ANNUAL 24-DAY STATE FAIR OF TEXAS EVENT, WHICH SERVES AS THE ORGANIZATION'S LARGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR.

990 for the year ended December 31, 2024

Program accomplishments

  • Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The 2024 State Fair of Texas welcomed nearly 2.4 million fairgoers through the gates. The State Fair of Texas offers a variety of interactive exhibits focusing on agriculture and livestock - implementing hands-on activities that are both enjoyable and informative. Activities range from feeding furry friends at the petting zoo to learning about different livestock species during daily guided tours through the livestock barns. In addition, each year, thousands of students from around the state work diligently in preparation for the competitive livestock events and leadership contests at the State Fair. The largest of these events, the annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction, celebrates the agricultural heritage of our great state, while also providing scholarships and prizes to students all over Texas. The Fair's educational initiatives extend far beyond our 24-day exposition. With education at the very core of our foundation, the State Fair of Texas continues to serve as a showcase for Texas history, agriculture, and the community that connects it all. The Fair expands its educational initiatives to the classroom with an innovative curriculum, created in partnership with Big Thought. The online curriculum combines the unique culture of the Fair with Texas history and agriculture, incorporating it into a TEKS-aligned program that focuses on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) for grades 4 through 12. With a focus on educating visitors about Texas history and agriculture, the Fair offers a unique experience that is both informative and entertaining. As a long-standing Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a distinctive appreciation for the local support that makes such a big event possible every year. With the ultimate goal of having a positive community impact, the Fair aims to give back through our partnerships with local organizations and initiatives. The Fair continues to expand outreach programs while placing a special priority on promoting community involvement at the local level. Our impact in the community focuses on three areas that complement our mission - social capital, human capital, and financial capital. In addition, the Fair seeks to assist food insecurity in the South Dallas/Fair Park area through its Big Tex Urban Farms initiative. Each year, the State Fair of Texas brings guests from all walks of life together for 24 days in celebration of the Lone Star State's evolving culture. Beginning in 1886 as a local gathering place for people to share ideas and learn from new cultures, the annual state fair and exposition in Fair Park became a breeding ground for Texas education and innovation. 2024's theme encompassed one of the many great things the Fair is known for - 24 Day of Fun. The 2024 State Fair of Texas, themed "24 Days of Fun" highlighted a longstanding tradition in the hearts of many Texans - the State Fair of Texas. Known for its larger-than-life exhibition, offering a wide variety of shows, exhibits, shopping, rides, games, and especially food, what better year than 2024 to celebrate all these things with our "24 Days of Fun" commemorative theme art? For 138 years, we have celebrated all things Texan here at the Most Texan Place on Earth, and last year, we paid homage with 24 ways the Fair is fun for everyone. The 2024 State Fair of Texas made a difference in more ways that we can count. Below are just a few of the noteworthy successes from this year's exposition: - The State Fair welcomed nearly 2.4 million fairgoers through the gates; - Approximately $91.4 million was generated in gross coupon sales for food, beverage, and rides, with a majority of funds going to vendors; - More than 69,000 first responders, members of the military, and their families used the special discount in gratitude for their service; - More than 71,250 people enjoyed the return of 15 performances of the State Fair of Texas Rodeo presented by United Ag & Turf in the historic Fair Park Coliseum, with 900 riders participating; - Since 2018, nearly 12.8 million free admission tickets have been given to students and teachers throughout North Texas, and nearly 1,100 free admission tickets were donated to local nonprofit organizations; - Community members got crafty with over 12,000 entries in the Fair's Creative Arts competitions. More than 4,400 ribbons were awarded to folks celebrating their creativity this year. - More than 13,000 livestock entries were entered and processed by our team leading up to the Fair; - Fairgoers came together to donate more than 198,000 pounds of canned food during our 2024 "Feed the Need" promotion, which equated to more than 165,000 meals for the North Texas Food Bank to serve the community that fall; - Ag Awareness Day gathered more than 200 chapters of 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA to participate in the canned food drive, donating more than 30,000 pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank; - The 76th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction raised more than $2 million for youth livestock exhibitors; - The Grand Champion Market Steer of the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction was sold to the Big Tex Champion Club for $180,000, a new single-record sale; - Free concerts were once again held on the Chevrolet Main Stage, with Los Pescadores, Jesse & Joy, Wyatt Flores, and The Commodores drawing the largest crowds; - The Fair hosted the Seventh Annual Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards, awarding four individuals following in Mrs. Craft's footsteps, making a positive impact in their community and in civil rights efforts; - Sensory-Friendly Mornings were held for the sixth time this year for all three Wednesdays of the Fair - reducing noise and lights across the grounds to accommodate those with sensory-related concerns; - More than 144,000 fans were in attendance for State Fair Classic and the Allstate Red River Rivalry at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium during the Fair; - The Kroger Starlight Parade featured brand-new floats that illuminated the Fairgrounds each night, with more than 800 riders adorning the floats during the processions; - Throughout the 24 days of the Fair, 3,099 activities happened across the fairgrounds; - 225 students across the Lone Star State were awarded scholarships through the Big Tex Scholarship Program, a total equaling more than $1.3 million; - Taking place the day after the Fair concludes, State Fair Cares partners with concessionaires and vendors to collect any leftover food to be donated to local food pantries and shelters. The 2024 food drive collected donations from 28 vendors, representing more than 100 booths throughout the fairgrounds. Donations were divided up and shared amongst eight South Dallas/Fair Park area organizations. These organizations included: Cornerstone Community Kitchen, Dallas Bethlehem Center, Inspired Vision Compassion Center, Jubilee Park Community Center, OurCalling, St. Paul United Methodist Church, T.R. Hoover CDC, and The Well Recovery Center. On top of the initiatives and donation programs that take place during the annual exposition, the State Fair of Texas continues to support our home, Fair Park, by contributing funds from our revenue. In 2024 alone, the State Fair of Texas contributed $19.5 million through philanthropic and Fair Park giving. Philanthropic and Fair Park Giving includes giving through community outreach programs, funding for the upkeep and historical preservation of Fair Park annual rent to the City of Dallas with the agreement that it must go towards the upkeep of Fair Park, and funding for other Fair Park improvements and State Fair operations. In addition, the State Fair of Texas' Community Giving Program offers opportunities for local nonprofits to receive financial support during dedicated cycles throughout the year. 133 organizations received more than $652,000 in project funding through grants and sponsorships in 2024. In addition to offering financial resources, our Community Affairs department connected local organizations to foster community relationships, form partnerships, and develop initiatives that work to make a positive impact. Our ability to serve and continue growing our scope of service is strengthened through the support of our fairgoers, relationships with like-minded organizations, and dedication of our State Fair team. The Fair's Big Tex Urban Farms is a mobile agriculture system comprised of portable planting beds and hydroponic systems housed in the heart of Fair Park. The mission of Big Tex Urban Farms is to create a food system that: - Invests financial and human capital into immediate Fair Park neighborhoods and companies; - Connects like-minded food-related organizations to each other; - Provides free, fresh, organic produce to entities focused on hunger issues and healthy
    Expenses $62,516,247 · grants $4,324,616 · revenue $70,135,902

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025December 31, 2025May 15, 2026Not on file
2024December 31, 2024May 15, 2025990 on file
2023December 31, 2023May 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
75-6002511
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
1951
Accounting year ends
December
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Assets (IRS master file)
$153,357,581
Income (IRS master file)
$86,624,958

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990December 2024$81,058,544$74,197,261$153,357,581IRS
990December 2023$77,695,676$67,263,108$144,211,303XML
990December 2022$86,043,902$70,179,151$135,080,076IRS
990December 2021–––IRS
990December 2020–––IRS
990December 2018–––IRS
990December 2017–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 75-6002511).

Questions about STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

What is the EIN of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS?
The employer identification number (EIN) of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS is 75-6002511.
Is STATE FAIR OF TEXAS tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1951.
Are donations to STATE FAIR OF TEXAS tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does STATE FAIR OF TEXAS file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS due?
The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending December 31, 2025) is due May 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did STATE FAIR OF TEXAS last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2024.
Who is the principal officer of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names MITCHELL GLIEBER.
Who are the officers and directors of STATE FAIR OF TEXAS?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 32 people; 13 received compensation from the organization, the highest $857,875 (Mitchell Glieber, President).
How much revenue does STATE FAIR OF TEXAS have?
On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $81,058,544, expenses of $74,197,261 and total assets of $153,357,581 at year end.

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