State
Milestones in the life of Big Tex
Posted: Oct 19, 2012 6:23 PM
Updated: Oct 19, 2012 6:23 PM
Milestones in the life of "Big Tex," State Fair of Texas icon:
1949 Erected as a 52-foot-tall "Santa Claus" on Nov. 10th, 1949, in Kerens to bolster the town's Christmas shopping.
1950 Transported 60 miles to Dallas and sold to the State Fair of Texas for $750.
1952 Transformed and unveiled as a giant cowboy named "Big Tex" and made its debut in late October as the official symbol of the State Fair of Texas.
1953 Speaks for the first time. Over the years, six men have provided the voice for Big Tex, which says "Howdy, folks!" about 60 times a day during the fair.
1997 Original body was rebuilt on a cage-like frame made of 4,200 feet of steel rods.
2000 Upgraded with body movements, waving to fairgoers as they passed by to the Midway.
2002 Turns 50, gets an all-new wardrobe and a new voice.
2012 Destroyed in fire. Fair officials vow to rebuild icon for 2013.
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Source: www.yesterdayusa.com
