Desoto families with high‑school juniors and seniors may want to mark their calendars for Tuesday, Nov. 17, when the State Fair of Texas will host the eighth annual Big Tex Next Fest. The free, one‑day event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park, with student drop‑off and parking available through Gate 2 at the corner of Parry Avenue and Haskell Avenue.
According to Focus Daily News, the Fair has invited more than 400 students from a wide range of area high schools, including Carrollton‑Farmers Branch, Duncanville, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation, H. Grady Spruce, Hutchinson, Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, James Madison, Justin F. Kimball, Lancaster, Lincoln, Marvin E. Robinson, New Tech, North Dallas, Skyline, W. H. Adamson, Woodrow Wilson and W.W. Samuell. While Desoto schools are not listed among the invited institutions, the event is open to any high‑school junior or senior, making it accessible to students from Desoto as well.
The agenda features a series of sessions designed to help students explore post‑high‑school pathways. Fifth Third Bank will run a Small Business & Entrepreneurship workshop, teaching fundamentals of starting and growing a business. Frost Bank will host a Hall of Knowledge interactive experience focused on real‑world financial scenarios. Mentor Connector will conduct a Speed Mentoring session, allowing rapid, one‑on‑one conversations with professionals from diverse fields.
Additional programming includes a College, Career, Military, and Youth Services Resource Fair, and a civic‑engagement session in partnership with Senator Royce West’s office, which will introduce students to local organizations and the processes that shape their communities. A Lunch and Learn panel will provide students with insights from established professionals across various industries.
The event will be emceed by on‑air personalities Spaceboi Fresh and Kirby Lozano of 97.9 The Beat, and will feature former Rose Bowl champion and NFL player Keith Davis as the keynote speaker. Davis, founder of The Winners Organization, will share his story of perseverance and encourage attendees that “it’s never too late to make a U‑Turn in your life.”
Big Tex Next Fest is presented as a free, one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity for high‑school students to gain career insight, financial literacy and civic knowledge while connecting with industry leaders and potential mentors.
What’s next: Students and parents should plan to arrive early for parking and drop‑off at Gate 2. No registration fee is required, and attendees will receive lunch during the day. For additional details, visit the State Fair of Texas website or contact the Fair’s student services office.
Sources: focusdailynews.com
