Our State Fair is a great State Fair …
2012 marks a milestone for our favorite State Fair of Texas ambassador. This year, along with many other baby boomers, Big Tex turns 60 years old.
What a charmed life he leads. With the midway as his backyard, he lives in a world lit by the dazzling glow of the Texas Star, the largest Ferris wheel in the southwest.
Since his reign began in 1952, he hasn’t aged a day. Even surrounded by corn dogs, funnel cakes and the newest, greasiest, fried fair fare, he maintains his weight with ease. Standing an impressive 52 feet tall, a few extra pounds go unnoticed.
Learn about the last six decades of Big Tex’s life, after the jump:
Big Tex wasn’t always a celebrity. A small town boy from Navarro County, his first job was as department store Santa in Kerens, Texas. The entire town pitched in to build him. Welding school students sculpted his body from second hand scrap iron. Barbers and beauty shop employees devoted spare time unraveling 100 feet of rope to fashion his beard. Garment factory ladies sewed his massive red Santa suit after hours. He became the largest Santa in the world.
After two Christmas seasons, the State Fair of Texas purchased, re-tooled and re-trained him in the ways of the urban cowboy. Fitted with a 75-gallon hat, Big Tex quickly became the symbol of our great State Fair, even starring with Pat Boone and Ann-Margaret in the 1962 remake of the musical “State Fair.” 
Early in his career, his job required travel. Along with the Jaycees and Rotary Club, he promoted the city at SMU’s Moody Coliseum, the Apparel Mart and Dallas Convention Center. His traveling days are over, but you can wish Big Tex a Happy 60th Birthday in person soon.
The State Fair of Texas opens this Friday, Sept. 28 and runs through Oct. 21.
Don’t miss it, don’t even be late …
