Watch CBS News

Big Tex Has A Voice; Still Needs A Body

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The State Fair of Texas has chosen a new voice for Big Tex when he is resurrected on September 27, 2013. The winning voice belongs to one of four finalists, according to Sue Gooding, Vice President of Public Relations & Community Relations at the State Fair of Texas.

>>>THE HISTORY OF BIG TEX<<<

More than 110 people applied to have their voice carry through the air amid the aroma of fried butter, sweet funnel cakes and sounds of laughter at the fair in the fall. The voice of Big Tex was fair game after the 52-foot-tall cowboy structure went up in flames on his 60th birthday last year and Richardson's Bill Bragg lost the gig. Bragg was the voice of Big Tex for 11 years, but a contract dispute didn't end in his favor...

"I was planning on doing this for the rest of my life, " Bragg told 1080 KRLD. "I just don't know what to say. I'm just shocked, dismayed and brokenhearted."

>>>BIG TEX BURNS<<<

Officials determined the fire started with an electrical spark in Big Tex's right boot. Big Tex started greeting State Fair visitors with his signature "Howdy, Folks!" in 1952.

Big Tex was insured for about $200,000, but it could take three times that to rebuild him, according to fair officials.

It's not too late to help this larger than life icon get back into his boots... click here to find out how.

Also Check Out:

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

---------------------------------------------

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.