On Wednesday, September 10, the State Fair of Texas hosted its annual Saddle Up Benefit Concert at The Rustic, drawing 300 guests for a festive evening that blended Texas-sized fun with heartfelt purpose. Honorary co-chairs John Harkey and Peni Barfeild, along with event co-chairs Robert and Stephani Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt, set the tone for the night as guests enjoyed classic Midway games, a caricature artist, an interactive branding station, cowboy hat and boot bar,and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo moments with Fair mascot ‘Lil Tex under the open sky.

Familiar faces spotted in the crowd included Martha and Sean Jackson; State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber and his wife, Lisa; FOX 4’s Hanna Battah and Kevin Fleck; Cynthia and Randy Smoot, and many more Dallas notables.

The evening hit its stride with a performance from Cash Byers, fresh off American Idol Season 8, followed by headliner Little Texas, who had the crowd singing along to chart-topping hits like “What Might Have Been,”“My Love,” and the beloved anthem “God Blessed Texas.”

A spirited live auction amped up the energy of the evening, showcasing one-of-a-kind offerings like a VIP Night at the Fair, premium tickets and an exclusive experience at the 2025 Red River Rivalry game, a “Lil’ Tex Visits Your Child’s School” VIP package, and a bucket-list getaway to the NFR Finals in Las Vegas.

Hosted by the Big Tex Champion Club, Saddle Up was more than a memorable night of entertainment — it was a celebration with purpose. 100% of all proceeds from the evening benefit the Big Tex Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which provide vital educational opportunities for children across Texas.

The State Fair of Texas would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Southwest Airlines, Bell Nunnally Law Firm, and the Walne Family. Media partners included PaperCity, FOX4, Gangway Advertising, and Bubble Lounge Podcast.