Big Tex Returns!
September 26, 2006 by Paris and John
Filed under News and Festivals
Today’s the big day: Big Tex, the symbol of the State Fair of Texas, returns to Fair Park in anticipation of the upcoming fair.
Who is Big Tex? For starters, he’s the world’s best-known 52-foot-tall talking cowboy. His State Fair debut in 1952 was quiet – originally speechless, a little engineering helped him ‘find’ his voice in 1953 and he’s been talking ever since. A friendly wave was added in ‘97; three years later, he began turning his head.
The History of Big Tex: Tex did have a ‘life’ before the State Fair of Texas. Once upon a time, he was Kris Kringle. The Kerens (Texas) Chamber of Commerce installed a giant Santa as a 1949 Christmas promotion, but the gimmick only lasted a couple of years. Ever the visionary, R. L. Thornton, State Fair president and former Dallas Mayor, knew a good thing when he saw it. After a $750 transaction, Tex was sent to ‘Big D’ where Dallas artist and stage designer Jack Bridges magically transformed St. Nick into a huge cowboy. By 1952, Big Tex was on board for good.
In 1997, an extreme makeover resulted in a buffed-up, more mature Tex, sporting a dash of gray in his sideburns. His earlier armature was tossed, and he was fitted with a new, cage-like skeleton consisting of 4,200 feet of steel rods weighing 3 tons.
Featured in local, regional, national and international news coverage, his resume includes film, too. In 1961, Big Tex ‘co-starred’ with Ann-Margret in the locally-shot remake of the movie, State Fair.
Big Tex’s Clothing: Williamson-Dickie, his clothier of choice, is the creator of his fetching ensemble. The Fort Worth-based manufacturer prides itself on its workwear, altogether fitting for a Big Guy on the job for more than 24 days. His Dickie’s jeans are crisp and clean, and his shirt is a classic cowboy design. Red, with a blue yoke and sleeves, it’s piped in yellow, and features (faux) pearl snaps, half-moon breast pockets, red cuffs and a collar with Western tips. Two white stars on each sleeve give his shirt a decidedly modern look.
The State Fair of Texas begings Friday, Sept. 29 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006.
For More Information:
• visit www.bigtex.com
