Video and photo gallery: Big Tex gets lifted into place for the 2009 State Fair of Texas

by Mike Bullock

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.

Big Tex Lift-off

When Big Tex is howling "howdy, folks!" we know it's time for the State Fair of Texas. Photos by Scott Dorn

(Click photo to see entire gallery)

This is Big Tex's good side.

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tetsujin28, says:

Great job, I always wanted to see this.

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2 months ago
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alexander troup, says:

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..

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2 months ago
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Jesus Valadez, says:

Going this Friday!!! FRIED FOOD!!

(better not rain or I'll be mad)

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2 months ago
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alexander troup, says:

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...

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2 months ago
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Egorsti, says:

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.