Jo Ann Holt
The Covid-19 pandemic may have caused the cancellation of our great State Fair of Texas for 2020, but there’s good news for fans of Fletcher’s Corny Dogs. The beloved corny dogs are taking to the streets! That’s right, the friendly Fletchers folks are bringing your favorite fried comfort food to a location near you. That is, if you live somewhere in North Texas.
Two years ago, Fletcher’s purchased two mobile trailers to take to events throughout North Texas. So when the pandemic hit, they were ready to bring everyone’s favorite fair foods to local communities. Following the State Fair’s cancellation, they have received emails from hundreds of die-hard fans. It seems they all long to see Fletcher’s pop-up in their community. The Fletcher’s family has been touched by this outpouring of love, and they are scrambling to respond to the requests as fast as possible.
A representative for Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs says, “For 78 years, the Fletcher’s family has served their original corny dogs to attendees of the State Fair of Texas. While they are heartbroken that the State Fair of Texas will not take place this year, they take the health of their employees and customers seriously and understand the decision that was made to protect the public at large from COVID-19.”
Fletcher’s Corny Dogs-aka K-9
Photo: Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs
Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs were invited by brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher in 1938. They were called several different names, including K-9 and Brown Bomber, when making their debut at the 1942 State Fair of Texas (10 years before Big Tex appeared). The Fletcher brothers sold the corny dogs for 15 cents each. However, no one bit at the strange new food offering. They were forced to cut them in half and give away samples to build clientele.
It may have taken a few years for the brothers to build their business, but it has grown dramatically since 1942. The lines at Fletcher’s Corny Dog stands are usually the longest at any Fair attraction. My husband and I stood in line for 30 minutes (under a blazing sun) before we could get our first Corny Dogs to kick off the 2019 Fair. It’s now a time-honored tradition, almost a rite of passage, for State Fair of Texas fans to make their first stop at one of Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog stands.
State Fair Traditions
Photo: Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs
For this strange “Year of No Fair,” I am thrilled to know that at least one of our State Fair traditions is available. Here is a list of places currently scheduled to get a Fletcher’s Corny Dog fix. The mobile trucks also serve several other Fair favorites, like curly fries, funnel cakes, and lemonade.
August 2020
Aug. 1 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Gas Monkey Garage, 2330 Merrell Road in Dallas;
Aug. 7 (5-8 p.m.) Lakewood Growler, 6448 Mockingbird Lane in Dallas;
Aug. 8 (noon to 7 p.m.) Honey’s Shaved Ice, 6480 South Highway 205 in Rockwall;
Aug. 11 (3-7 p.m.) Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7611 Park Lane, Dallas;
Aug. 15 (noon to 7 p.m.) Atwoods Ranch and Home, 2825 Aspen Way, Waxahachie;
Aug. 29 (4-8 p.m.) HTeaO, 4609 W. Park Blvd. in Plano;
Fletcher’s September Stops
Photo: Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs
September 2020
Sept. 3 (3-7 p.m.) Squire Shop, 4516 Hartwood Drive, Fort Worth;
Sept. 11 (4-9 p.m.) Lakewood Brewing Co., 2302 Executive Drive, Garland;
Sept. 17 (4-7 p.m.) Atwoods Ranch & Home, 6001 Jacksborro Highway, Lake Worth;
Enjoying a Fletcher’s Corny Dog somewhere else may not be the same as eating (and dripping mustard over a garbage can) while listening to Big Tex welcome crowds at Fair Park. But it’s probably a bit more sanitary!
For more information, including an updated schedule for pop up events, visit fletcherscornydogs.com.
