Return of Big Tex hails approach of Texas State Fair
An icon of the state, and the official greeter at the State Fair of Texas, ‘Big Tex’ was returned to the Fairground entrance here in Dallas just one week before the start of the 2015 Texas Fair.
The 55-foot statue was dressed in his fresh, clean clothes and 95-gallon hat, and then hoisted by a crane into position to greet fairgoers with his booming ‘Howdy Folks’ and friendly wave. Originally, Tex was quiet and motionless, but in 1953 he “found” his voice, and in 1997 he acquired the ability to wave.
Smiling and winking have been added to his repertoire of movements in the last few years, and have been improved upon for this year’s fair. Also new this year will be a rooster crowing contest, a Native American attraction at the Marine Corp square, and a Beer Haven serving Texan craft beer.
Last year, Big Tex got a new outfit, and will likely get another change of clothes in a couple of years. Postcard printing services often see a surge in patrons wanting new images of Tex every time the big guy gets a new set of duds. Postcards of Tex sporting his various outfits throughout the years may one day be collectors’ items.
This year, Big Tex’s job as greeter will last from September 25 through October 18, which is the duration of the State Fair of Texas
The 55-foot statue was dressed in his fresh, clean clothes and 95-gallon hat, and then hoisted by a crane into position to greet fairgoers with his booming ‘Howdy Folks’ and friendly wave. Originally, Tex was quiet and motionless, but in 1953 he “found” his voice, and in 1997 he acquired the ability to wave.
Smiling and winking have been added to his repertoire of movements in the last few years, and have been improved upon for this year’s fair. Also new this year will be a rooster crowing contest, a Native American attraction at the Marine Corp square, and a Beer Haven serving Texan craft beer.
Last year, Big Tex got a new outfit, and will likely get another change of clothes in a couple of years. Postcard printing services often see a surge in patrons wanting new images of Tex every time the big guy gets a new set of duds. Postcards of Tex sporting his various outfits throughout the years may one day be collectors’ items.
This year, Big Tex’s job as greeter will last from September 25 through October 18, which is the duration of the State Fair of Texas