Iconic Big Tex Seen Sporting a New Blue Mask

DALLAS, TX – Although the State Fair of Texas was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, that hasn't stopped the iconic Big Tex from making a big statement.

The 55-foot tall cowboy that welcomes folks into the fairgrounds was installed in the middle of Fair Park on Sept. 16., and for the first time in the fair’s history he's wearing a mask.

A very big mask in fact, measuring in at seven foot wide and four foot tall!

“It’s about solidarity with the community,” says State Fair of Texas president Mitchell Glieber, “and making a statement about what everybody’s going through.”

Don't worry, Tex can still talk through his mask, and he’ll offer his typical greetings such as “Howdy, folks!” from his perch in Big Tex Circle in the middle of Fair Park.

Earlier this year Big Tex received several cosmetic upgrades including; a new belt buckle, a new hat, several cosmetic touch-ups on his face, and his new blue mask.

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Big Tex’s relationship with the State Fair of Texas originally dates back to 1952, when a former Santa Claus statue was remade into the iconic smiling cowboy.

Big Tex the First was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 2012.

However, Tex was rebuilt and re-emerged back in 2013 three feet taller, with bigger biceps, hands and head, and his previous 75-gallon hat was upgraded to 95-gallon hat.

Even though the state fair isn't open this year, visitors can get a little taste of it.

Tickets are currently being sold for a "Big Tex Drive Thru Experience" which includes photo ops with the giant cowboy, and a package that includes a variety of fair foods!