December 2, 2012 - The roadside icon Big Tex was destroyed on October 19, 2012 when a fire broke out around his right boot area and engulfed his big ol' frame. As they say, "everything is big in Texas" and Big Tex is no slouch, standing 52 feet tall with a 75 gallon hat and 50 pound belt buckle. This metal cowboy was built in 1949 as a Santa Claus then moved to the fairgrounds as Big Tex in 1952

Source: Tulsa World

Big Tex Texas State Fair Photo courtesy Alan M Here's a shot of the Big Tex during happier times, greeting visitors to the Texas State Fair with his trademark "Howdy Folks". Word is Big Tex will be rebuilt and back for the 2013 state fair.

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