Big Tex Rises: Takes His Place Over The State Fair Of Texas

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - In just one week the booming "Howdy Folks!" welcome will greet visitors to the State Fair of Texas and today the fair's favorite cowboy was moved into position.

Big Tex was hoisted into place, in Big Tex Circle, Friday morning.

Along with his cowboy hat, king-sized belt buckle and Dickies jeans, Big Tex has a new fashion accessory. This year Lucchese re-designed Big Tex's boots -- a surprise that was revealed as a crowd waited and watched.

Fair officials say the new boots will enhance the mascot's Texan spirit.

Nicholas Roach, with the Lucchese Boot Company, said, "I think the changes creates something that stuck out a little more and wasn't as traditional as your typical, daily wear cowboy boot," said Nicholas Roach, with the Lucchese Boot Company, but spoke to the artisan aspect of what we do at Lucchese while simultaneously honoring the heritage of Texas and the fair."

In case you're wondering, those new cowboy boots are a size 96.

The biggest cowboy in Texas weighs some 26,000 pounds, stands 55 feet tall and, appropriately so, wears a 95 gallon hat!

This new version off the fair mascot has been around since 2013. It was in 2012 when the Big Tex structure went up in flames hours before his official unveiling. The fire, started by an electrical spark in the statue's right boot, only left behind Tex's hands and shirtsleeves.

Crews used a crane to put Big Tex in place -- to reign over the state fair for the 66th year.

With his friendly wave and booming voice Big tex will greet more than 2 million visitors over the 24-day run of the fair.

The 2018 State Fair of Texas opens September 28 and runs through October 21.