Workers Raise Big Tex For 2021 As State Fair Of Texas Set To Kick Off September 24

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- The the 2021 State Fair of Texas kicks off soon but Big Tex — Fair Park's favorite cowboy — is all dressed up and taking his rightful place Friday.

The fair kicks of on September 24, one week from today.

The 55-foot-tall cowboy will resume his post this year as the official State Fair of Texas ambassador.

Big Tex's skeletal structure was originally built in 1949 for a Christmas celebration in Kerens. After two years there as the world's tallest Santa Claus, the figure was sold to the State Fair of Texas for $750.

The cowboy made his debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas, but had no voice. It was until a year later that Big Tex began greeting visitors with his now legendary 'Howdy Folks!'

Each year fans of the giant wait to see his new threads — which always include cowboy boots, blue jeans and a western shirt.