With the official opening just one week away, crews are working Friday morning to hoist the State Fair of Texas mascot into place so he can welcome fairgoers with his iconic "Howdy folksl" greeting.

Big Tex is scheduled to be lifted into place at 10 a.m. by a crane as he returns to his perch at Big Tex Circle on Friday. (You can watch the event live in the video player below.)

According to fair officials, the Dallas attraction welcomed nearly 2.4 million people during its 24-day run in 2024, growing its attendance last year when compared to 2023.

News Roundups

Catch up on the day's news you need to know.

Or with:

Google

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

For this year, Big Tex has had his boots polished, shirt ironed and his jeans starched as he readies to greet guests to this year's event, which runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 19.

With thrill rides, carnival games and food beckoning a few days later, the raising of Big Tex is an annual tradition that signals the start of the fair season.

AdvertisementHistory of Big Tex

The animatronic cowboy was sold to the State Fair in 1949 for $750. He made his first appearance at Fair Park in 1952.

Since then, the 55-foot-tall icon has grown in size, fashion, survived an electrical fire and made it to his 73rd birthday.

Fair officials said Big Tex will be wearing his traditional star-studded blue dress shirt and blue jeans -- courtesy of Dickies -- along with his eye-catching belt buckle that is provided by Shiner Beer.

He'll also be wearing his most notable fashion item, 96-inch custom boots that were designed in 2023 by contest winner Jessica Bonilla.

The boots feature a Texas desert landscape with a deep blue river and orange and yellow sunset, complete with longhorns, blue bonnets, cacti, horses and armadillos.

For more information on discounts, ticket prices, food and more at the fair, visit The Dallas Morning News 2025 State Fair of Texas guide.

AdvertisementRelated StoriesRead MoreFirst look at newly renovated Cotton Bowl: Transformation meets historical preservationThe Dallas Morning News got an exclusive two-hour tour of the historic Cotton Bowl's $140 million extreme makeover.Wine, hot air balloons and blues: 14 fall festivals in North Texas to look forward toPlan for fall with these activities. There are so many autumn events to look forward to, from festivals to the State Fair of Texas and everything in between. 7 things you can't miss at the State Fair of Texas 2025What food to try, what exhibits to see, what sports to watch and what concerts to attend at the Texas state fair

Watch live: Big Tex rises as State Fair of Texas readies for its 73rd year