You know fall is near when Big Tex is here.
The 55-foot-tall cowboy resumed his post as the official State Fair of Texas welcomer at 10 a.m. Friday, hours before the official start of fall at 3:02 p.m.
Big Tex will stay silent during his installation, saving his voice until his signature "Howdy, Folks!" greeting on Opening Day.
That billowing greeting is a tradition that's held steady for decades. However, Big Tex has undergone a few makeovers over the years.
Photos: Crews Install Big Tex for 2016 State Fair
Big Tex: Then and Now
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