Big Tex will soon be waving at visitors to Fair Park for his 67th year.
On Friday, the 55-foot-tall icon resumed his post at the heart of the State Fair of Texas, which kicks off Friday, Sept. 27.
With a 95-gallon hat, he's one giant cowboy, but Big Tex has some tiny fans.
“He says howdy folks, this is Big Tex, welcome to the State Fair of Texas,” said 4-year-old Jacob Perez doing his best imitation.
NBC 5's Texas Sky Ranger captured video of crews using a crane to hoist Big Tex precisely at 10 a.m. Friday. Many, like Jacob lined up early to greet him.
“Bringing him to this alone, he's like really excited,” said his mother, Lisa Alardin.
“Because I like him a lot,” Jacob added.
This year, Big Tex will be sporting new boots through the fair's 24-day run. The size 96 kicks designed by Keller's Katie Sauceda were chosen as part of an annual contest. His new Texan-inspired designs are geared toward this year's theme of "Celebrating Texas Creativity."
“There's artwork that's been designed by Texas artists on all of the storage containers throughout the area around the lagoon,” said Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations with State Fair of Texas.
From "Contain Your Selfie,” in partnership with United Way, to a brand new exhibit highlighting Latin culture in Texas.
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“We’ve got a great new family friendly show called fiestas de marionetas and that's just around the corner here in the ampitheatre,” Condoianis said.
Also new this year- Earnest Fuller at 74-year-old staple, Jack's French Frys.
“I'm looking forward to it, try to do the best I can you know,” Fuller said.
While he serves up the classics, fairgoers await the unusual.
“The chocolate covered bacon with nuts,” said Lisa Williams.
“Everything's bigger, everything's better and everything's fried,” said Semetra Vanison.
Final preparations are happening everywhere, from rides to the midway.
“We’ll have live music throughout the grounds, 45 different acts on our smaller stages,” Condoianis said.
An explosion of sights and sounds is just one week away.
The State Fair of Texas, runs from Sept. 27 through Oct. 20.
Sensory friendly Wednesdays will take place each week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They're geared toward anyone needing a calmer experience. All noises & flashing lights will be toned down.
| 1952 - 2012 | 2013 - Present | |
| Height: | 52 ft. | 55 ft. |
| Chest | 31 ft. | 33 ft. 9 in. |
| Biceps | 7 ft. 8 in. | 10 ft. 9 in. |
| Boots | 7 ft. 7 in. | 12 ft. |
| Hands | 3 ft. | 5 ft. 6 in. |
| Head | 8 ft. | 10 ft. |
| Inseam | 16 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Shoulders | 12 ft. 6 in. | 13 ft. |
| Sleeves | 22 ft. 6 in. | 13 ft. |
| Neck | 10 ft. | 11 ft. |
| Waist | 23 ft. 6 in. | 27 ft. |
| Collar | 12 ft. 6 in. | 16 ft. 8 in. |
| Hat | 75 gallon | 95 gallon |
| Boot Size | 70 | 96 |
| Original Cost | $750 | $500,000 |
Online: BigTex.com
