Fletcher’s Corny Dogs will open for Texas-OU after all

For the first time since World War II, the State Fair of Texas was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the fair’s staple event, the Red River Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners will still feature the famous Fletcher’s Corny Dogs and perhaps even a mini-Midway.

Last year, 2.5 million people attended the State Fair. Typically, Fletcher’s sells over 500,000 hot dogs — 60,000 pounds — during the three-plus weeks the State Fair is open, along with 1,500 gallons of mustard and 800 gallons of ketchup. Just remember that the Fletcher family only truly approves of putting mustard on their iconic creation.

The cancelation of the State Fair, however, but the sale of any corny dogs prior to, during, or after the Red River Showndown in serious jeopardy.

“For 78 years, the Fletcher’s family has served their original corny dogs to attendees of the State Fair of Texas,” Fletcher’s said in a statement posted on its website. “While we are heartbroken that the State Fair of Texas will not take place this year, we take the health of our employees and customers seriously and understand the decision that was made to protect the public at large from COVID-19.”

Fletcher’s has stayed busy with catering events and pop-ups around the Metroplex, including one near Globe Life Park when the Texas Rangers finally opened the season in late July. Now it appears that the Cotton Bowl will also receive a pop-up, although it’s currently unclear what the capacity might be for the Red River Showdown or if fans will even be able to attend at all.

Still, for those desperate for a sense of State Fair normalcy in these abnormal times, slathering some mustard on a Fletcher’s Corny Dog outside the Cotton Bowl before Texas plays Oklahoma would likely hit the spot.