Craig HolcombExecutive Director, Friends of Fair Park
Growing up in a family that firmly believed in the ethic of public service, Dallas native Craig Holcomb always wanted to make his city an even better place for his generation and those to follow. His formidable accomplishments as Executive Director of Friends of Fair Park reflect an unparalleled resolve to protect and promote the full glory of this national historic landmark. “Our Mission,” states Mr. Holcomb, “is to preserve the buildings, art, sculptures and related artifacts of the 1936 Texas Centennial…and to support the Fair Park museums, increase year-round attendance and encourage thoughtful planning for Fair Park’s future.”
Since 1990, when Craig assumed his current position, he has played a major role in producing $91 million for capital improvements in the Park. These funds helped build the African American Museum, the IMAX Theatre at the Science Place and The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future. He has overseen the raising of additional capital to restore four of the Park’s major buildings and seventeen large murals, as well as the recreation of the Fish fountain and the legendary Texas Woofus sculpture.
“We’re looking to return a skating rink to the Fair Park Coliseum,” he envisions. “It will be called Fair Skate and, thanks to the Hoblitzelle Foundation and the Meadows Foundation, it will be free to the surrounding community at least 50% of the time. It’s important that people who live near Fair Park get to use the area because it has such an impact on their lives.”
From offices within the restored Magnolia Lounge, the Magnolia Oil Company’s hospitality suite during the Centennial, Craig and his staff are intent on addressing various priorities:
- Bringing a DART light rail stop to the park’s main entrance, as well as free intra-park shuttle service
- Recreating and reconstructing two historic 1936 Esplanade sculptures that have been missing for years, Countertenor and Contralto
- Keeping the Midway open all summer, in addition to during the State Fair
Besides traditional grant writing, Friends of Fair Park raises funds through such special events as the Annual Luncheon; the Spirit of the Centennial Award is presented to those with an exceptional commitment to Fair Park. The Friends of Fair Park also host the annual Woofus Dinner.
“If Fair Park means a lot to me, think of what it means to millions more folks.”
“So many people have different memories of Fair Park,” notes Craig. “There are those who can still recall the 1936 Texas Centennial…Texas-OU die-hards…Dallas Summer Musicals aficionados…kids who visit the museums or the Fair on school field trips. I’ll never forget Fair Day and riding on the bumper cars with my cousins. What a terrific time! Every little addition or refinement is worth pursuing to keep Fair Park a treasure.”
You might recognize Mr. Holcomb from the three terms he has served as a member of the Dallas City Council. His efforts on various committees and with city planners helped fuel the resurgence of Deep Ellum and the creation of the Cultural Affairs Commission and the Office of Cultural Affairs. He was also instrumental in leading the charge to improve the Trinity River Corridor and serves as Executive Director of the Trinity Commons Foundation, which will help bring lakes and transportation improvements associated with the project into reality.
Friends of Fair Park is most fortunate to have someone as tireless as Craig Holcomb at its helm. His vision will preserve Fair Park as a shining example of finesse and fun.
