On Monday, Oct. 10, if you were to pass by Cardinal Drive, you would see a school without students. Students and teachers at Melissa High School were given the day of to go and visit The Texas State Fair. A few years ago the school district stopped allowing this holiday to be put in effect, but this year they decided to bring it back. In the weeks prior of Fair Day, each student was given a free ticket and was encouraged to take their families to Dallas, and enjoy the annual event. Even though the fair is loved by many, people are questioning whether or not it is worth missing a day of school for, instead of getting out earlier in the spring.

The State Fair of Texas is an event that a huge amount of people look forward to every year. The fair features attractions that can only be found deep in the heart of Texas. Museums are dedicated to car shows, football hall of fames, art exhibits and the most popular, butter sculptures. Between all these things, the endless midway and performances throughout the day, a person could never get bored while at the fair. But as everyone knows, the fair experience is not complete without the over the top fried food. When asked about her favorite attraction, Soph. Carsyn Kimberling stated that the Ferris wheel was the best part. There is little doubt that the many others find the famous ride to be the highlight of their experience as well.

The State Fair of Texas is a perfect example of the quote “everything’s bigger in Texas.” It’s something that everyone needs to experience once in their lifetime, if not every year. It’s a great place to spend quality time with your family and friends while being enveloped in the Texas Culture. During an interview with Soph. Kimberlyn Watts she explained how she has attended the fair the past four years and it has quickly became an enjoyable tradition that she looks forward to annually.

Now, not everyone sees the bright lights and fried goodness to be beneficial for students. Some parents and teachers feel that this day is a waste of time and could be better spent in the classroom. It’s been said that most families attend the fair on weekends with their families anyway. This day without school would be more beneficial if students were learning and saving their makeup days for the last week of school. Our principal’s wife, Mrs. Wooten, said that she “very much enjoyed the break,” regardless if you attended the fair or not because it’s nice to have a short holiday besides Thanksgiving Break. Whereas, Jr. Rebecca Hutchison disagrees and would prefer to get out of school a day earlier because “everyone goes that day anyway so it’s just as crowded as it would be on a weekend.”

I can see both sides of this argument and each person has to decide if a Texas tradition is more important than getting out a day earlier for summer. Personally, I would keep the fair day in effect because it’s a tradition that many families and students look forward to. If you were able to voice your opinion… would you keep Fair Day or want an extra day of summer?