Monday, September 21, 2009
Video and photo gallery: Big Tex gets lifted into place for the 2009 State Fair of Texas
DALLAS Nothing says it's fall in Dallas like Big Tex. Since 1952, Big Tex has served as a meeting place for friends and family for the millions of people who visit the State Fair of Texas each year. Take a look at this year's big lift as Big Tex is put in place. The video is set in fast-forward so you can catch him being set up in less than two minutes. (Be sure to watch closely at 00:43 when they test Big Tex's friendly wave.)
Big Tex gets lifted into place
Here's a little history lesson about Big Tex: He was originally built in 1949 as Santa Claus to promote holiday sales in Kerens, Texas. However, that was short lived. In 1951, then-State Fair President R.L. Thornton purchased Santa and had him shipped to Dallas. Local artist Jack Bridges then turned Santa into a cowboy. Big Tex made his State Fair debut in 1952 and has been a centerpiece of the fair ever since.
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Great job, I always wanted to see this.
tetsujin28 Anonymous
2 months ago
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Yea,since 1952,while around 1960 my folks and I,met the man who created Big Tex...and what he did to make the thing ..cardboard and chicken wire then poly fiberglass castings and fine acrylic paint..A/T, .. A true landmark sculpture celebrity..
alexander troup Verified
2 months ago
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Going this Friday!!! FRIED FOOD!!
(better not rain or I'll be mad)
Jesus Valadez Verified
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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Ole Big Tex, a part of an old event, that has been around a long time..since 1952 while the State Fair came to exist in the mid 1880s that is what Texas Dallas was known for these many decades....A/T, Have fun folks with those piggy banks..in tow...
alexander troup Verified
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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They REALLY need to put Tex's arm (the one that is not straight out to his side) back where it's supposed to go, which is with the hand up against the chest and elbow against his side. The way they've pulled it out when it's not supposed to be that way is awkward, stupid-looking, and, most of all, not authentic.
Egorsti Anonymous
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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Don't forget the PARADE at noon Friday, downtown Dallas,.....one of the best and oldest!!!!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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Good segway, Russ! Keep an eye out for stunning photos of the parade later on Friday, courtesy of Pegasus News.
Sarah Blaskovich Staff
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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