Before millions of visitors arrive to enjoy corn dogs, deep fried treats and a friendly waving from a five story cowboy named Big Tex, the State Fair of Texas has a new rule: no guns allowed.

This decision, which was made by the fair organizers after an incident last year at the 277-acre (112 hectare) fairgrounds located in Dallas’ heart, has sparked outrage among Republican legislators who have in recent years proudly expanded Texas gun rights. The state’s Attorney General threatened to sue the fair if it didn’t change its course.

In a press release, Republican Texas Attorney-General Ken Paxton stated that Dallas has 15 days to correct the problem. “If not, I will be seeing them in court.”

Texas is a state where tensions are often raised over the carrying of firearms by gun owners in public. But the recent standoff with a beloved institution has taken the battle to unforeseen terrain. Since cowboy hat wearing organizers announced the policy change at a press conference last week, the fair has refused to back down.

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The fair dates back to 1886. It reopens every September and runs for almost a month. The fairgrounds also host the annual college football match between University of Texas vs University of Oklahoma. After Big Tex the giant cowboy who greets fairgoers was set ablaze in 2012 by an electrical short, it was welcomed back with much fanfare.

Last year, a shooting in the vicinity of the food booths dampened the celebrations.

Police cleared the fairgrounds after three people were injured by a man who opened fire. Social media videos showed people fleeing in groups, running along the sidewalks and scaling barriers.

Karissa Condoianis, spokesperson for the fair, defended the new policy on Wednesday. She acknowledged that it had attracted both criticism and praise.

Condoianis stated that “this is the right move to ensure a family-friendly environment and a safe atmosphere.”

In a letter, more than 70 Republican legislators urged the fair’s organizers to reconsider the ban. They argued that it made the fairgrounds unsafe and “was anything but a celebration” of Texas.

Paxton wrote a letter to the City of Dallas arguing that the ban violates the rights of gun owners in Texas. Paxton said that the city owns Fair Park where the annual fair is held.

In a statement released on Wednesday, a city spokesperson stated that the city was reviewing Paxton’s email “and will be responding accordingly.”

Condoianis stated Wednesday that Fair Park is used by the fair under a long-term agreement with the city.

Condoianis disagreed with the notion that the ban made the fair unsafe, stating that it was similar to the rules for large community gatherings like sporting events and concerts. She added that 200 uniformed, armed Dallas Police officers and fair safety teams will patrol the fairgrounds. On its website, the fair stated that all attendees are subject to a screening procedure before they enter.

Brian Franklin, Associate Director of the Center for Presidential History of Southern Methodist University Dallas said that the fair was a “microcosm” of the mystique of Texas. He said the fair reflects Texans desire to highlight the state’s rural heritage of cowboys and its technological advancement.

He said that you could go see the cows or go to the hall with the most incredible new cars.