Every fall, Dallas transforms into a hub of excitement as the State Fair of Texas takes over Fair Park. The aroma of fried foods fills the air, the midway lights sparkle, and families from across the state — and far beyond — gather for weeks of fun, tradition, and Texas-sized pride.

But before anyone grabs a Fletcher’s Corny Dog or rides the Texas Star Ferris wheel, there’s one must-see stop that everyone makes. Rising 55 feet into the sky, with his broad-brimmed hat and booming voice, Big Tex is the cowboy who greets millions each year with his famous words: “Howdy, folks!”

Big Tex is more than just a giant cowboy statue. He’s a living symbol of Texas hospitality, a time-honored tradition, and for many families, a treasured part of their yearly visit to the fair. Generations have taken photos under his massive boots, watched his wardrobe change over the years, and even rallied around him when tragedy struck.

Before we dive into his history, let’s take a step back and see why Big Tex has become such an enduring piece of the Lone Star story.

Big Tex began his journey in 1949 in Kerens, Texas, as the world’s tallest Santa Claus. Built at 49 feet tall, this towering Santa was designed to draw shoppers during the holidays. While he certainly grabbed attention, the novelty wore off quickly, and Kerens decided to sell him.

In 1951, the State Fair of Texas purchased the figure for $750 and hired artist Jack Bridges to give him a new identity. With new clothes, a giant cowboy hat, and that unforgettable grin, Santa became a cowboy. In 1952, Big Tex made his first official appearance at the fair, standing proudly as a symbol of Texas pride.

In 1953, Big Tex spoke for the first time. His debut line, “Howdy, folks!” came from a hidden announcer, and it quickly became his trademark greeting. This was also the decade where his cowboy look began to evolve — shirts, jeans, and boots were custom-made to fit his enormous size.  H.D. Lee Co. donated denim jeans and a plaid shirt for his State Fair debut.

By the 1960s, Big Tex was firmly cemented as the face of the fair. His wardrobe expanded, his shirts became more colorful, and families began making him the first stop of their visit. Big Tex got a new plaid shirt and blue jeans by Lee. Price tag: $2,200.  It’s the third new set of clothes for Tex. The outfit, made in Kansas City by Lee, used 225 yards of fabric, 17,100 yards of thread, 557 inches of zippers. 

1965: Big Tex was fitted with a giant sarape, a signal that the Danzas y Canios de Mexico had arrived in Dallas. The multi-colored sarape was about 60 feet long and weighs nearly 300 pounds.

The 1970s brought structural challenges. His original frame wasn’t built to last forever, so upgrades were made to ensure he could withstand the Texas weather.

Big Tex once nearly had to greet fairgoers without a shirt. According to The Dallas Morning News, his brand-new outfit was stolen before it could even be unveiled. Jack Bridges, the man who created Big Tex, had stopped at a café for a sandwich, leaving the cowboy’s enormous duds in his truck. When he returned, the 150-pound shirt, valued at $2,000, was gone.

Police admitted they had no leads, joking that if anyone happened to be wearing a size 97 extra-long, they might be asked to answer a few questions. The State Fair offered a $100 reward for the shirt’s return, but no one ever came forward. In the meantime, H.D. Lee, the clothing company, promised to rush out a replacement. Just to be safe, though, the fair patched up one of Big Tex’s older shirts so the cowboy wouldn’t have to go topless when opening day arrived.

Big Tex became a true fashion icon in the 1980s. His shirts grew flashier, his jeans sturdier, and his boots works of art. Outfit reveals became one of the highlights of each fair.

1982: Big Tex donned a new burnt orange Western shirt trimmed in white piping.  “Being a rabid Oklahoma fan, I had a hard time with it,” recalled Bud Poe, Lee’s vice president of sales in Dallas. “The orange was the only color we had an overabundance of at the time though.”

By the 1990s, Big Tex had a new jaw and facial design, giving him a more realistic look. His voice system was also improved, making his “Howdy, folks!” even more engaging.

1994: Wrangler debuted its outfit for Big Tex.

1997: Dickies, a Fort Worth company, took over and started making Big Tex’s outfits.

The early 2000s brought mechanical updates for smoother mouth movements and a stronger sound system. He wasn’t just a statue anymore — he was interactive.

On October 19, 2012, an electrical fire destroyed Big Tex. Within minutes, flames consumed the cowboy who had stood tall for 60 years. Texans were devastated, but within days, fair officials promised: “Big Tex will be back.”

Big Tex returned bigger and stronger. His steel frame was fire-resistant, his face more lifelike, and his boots featured Texas stars. The crowd cheered as their cowboy stood tall once again.

Though the fair was canceled in 2020, Big Tex still appeared — this time wearing a giant face mask. He stood as a symbol of resilience and unity during tough times.

One of the most beloved traditions is Big Tex’s wardrobe reveal. Yes, he gets a new outfit every year — a custom-made western shirt, jeans, boots, and belt designed by Texas companies.

• His shirts have 14-foot sleeves and weigh more than most winter coats.

• His jeans weigh over 100 pounds and take special sewing machines to create.

• His boots are taller than most people, often hand-painted with Texas-inspired designs.

Each year, fairgoers eagerly wait to see his new look — almost like a red-carpet fashion show for Texas’s favorite cowboy.

While Big Tex is the face of the fair, he’s part of something much larger. The State Fair of Texas, first held in 1886, is now one of the biggest fairs in the country. It runs for 24 days and includes:

• The Texas-OU Red River Showdown football game.

• Livestock shows and competitions.

• Concerts, rides, and games on the midway.

• Famous food creations — from deep-fried Oreos to turkey legs as big as your arm.

Through it all, Big Tex ties the experience together. He’s the landmark, the meeting spot, and the friendly cowboy who has been part of Texas families’ traditions for generations.

• His hat is a 75-gallon Stetson — the largest in the world.

• His jeans alone weigh over 100 pounds.

• He first spoke in 1953 — and has said “Howdy, folks!” ever since.

• His boots are so tall, a grown adult could stand inside one.

• He’s one of the most photographed icons in Texas, rivaling landmarks like the Alamo.

The State Fair of Texas has always been more than just a local tradition — it’s a celebration that captures national attention. In fact, in 2025, USA Today ranked the State Fair of Texas #4 on its list of the Top 10 Best State Fairs in the country, recognizing not only its size but also its history, food, and iconic traditions.

That same year, a piece of Big Tex himself traveled far beyond Dallas. His iconic Lucchese boots made the journey to Washington, D.C., where they now stand proudly in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. The boots are part of State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibit opening August 22, 2025, that explores how fairs have shaped American creativity and culture.

For Texans, it’s a moment of pride to see both their fair and their cowboy honored on a national stage. From being ranked among the very best state fairs to showcasing Big Tex’s boots in the nation’s capital, 2025 proved that the spirit of the State Fair of Texas is bigger than Dallas — it’s a tradition the whole country can celebrate. 

As September winds down, excitement builds. Crews carefully raise Big Tex into place at Fair Park, and his first “Howdy, folks!” signals that fall in Texas has officially begun. Families gather for photos, first-timers marvel at his size, and longtime visitors smile at a familiar friend.

As much as Big Tex is about history and tradition, he’s also about joy. He’s the friendly wave that tells visitors they’ve arrived, the backdrop of countless family photos, and the voice that says, “Howdy, folks!” with the same warmth every single year. Whether you’re a Texan born and raised or a traveler like me planning a future visit, Big Tex reminds us that some icons aren’t just seen — they’re felt. And that’s what makes him larger than life.

Big Tex is more than just a statue. He’s a living tradition — one that has grown, adapted, and endured through decades of change. From a Santa Claus in Kerens to a fiery rebirth in 2013, Big Tex continues to welcome millions with open arms and a booming voice.

And for me, this is more than just a story. I’ve made it a personal goal to see him in person. In 2026, I plan to attend the Texas State Fair and finally stand beneath Big Tex’s wide-brimmed hat, hear his famous “Howdy, folks!” live, and experience firsthand the magic he has brought to generations of fairgoers.

Because as Big Tex himself would say: “Howdy, folks! Welcome to the greatest fair in Texas.”