SHARE CONDOLENCES: State fair's 'Big Tex' Burns Up in fire

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The iconic statue Big Tex is no more. The symbol of the State Fair of Texas went up in flames.

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Published: 10/19/2012 11:13 am

Updated: 10/19/2012 3:31 pm

DALLAS (AP) — Fire destroyed Big Tex on Friday, leaving behind little more than the metal frame of the 52-foot-tall metal-and-fabric cowboy that is an icon of the State Fair of Texas.

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Some fabric that made up the towering structure's hand and sleeves could still be seen as firefighters gathered around the scorched area.

Big Tex's 75-gallon hat, 50-pound belt buckle and slow drawl — "Howdy, folks!" — have been greeting fair visitors since 1952. This year's fair, which closes Sunday, had been celebrating Big Tex's 60th birthday.

"It's a great loss for us because of its icon stature," fair spokeswoman Sue Gooding said.

Gooding said she didn't know the cause of the fire but did note electrical controls move Big Tex's mouth and head. A Dallas fire spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email message seeking comment.

Gooding noted that no one was injured in the fire and added that she expects him to be back for next year's state fair.

"He'll be back, bigger and better than ever," she said.

Milestones in the life of Big Tex

Milestones in the life of "Big Tex," State Fair of Texas icon:

1949 —Erected as a 52-foot-tall "Santa Claus" on Nov. 10th, 1949, in Kerens to bolster the town's Christmas shopping.

1950 — Transported 60 miles to Dallas and sold to the State Fair of Texas for $750.

1952 — Transformed and unveiled as a giant cowboy named "Big Tex" and made its debut in late October as the official symbol of the State Fair of Texas.

1953 — Speaks for the first time. Over the years, six men have provided the voice for Big Tex, which says "Howdy, folks!" about 60 times a day during the fair.

1997 — Original body was rebuilt on a cage-like frame made of 4,200 feet of steel rods.

2000 — Upgraded with body movements, waving to fairgoers as they passed by to the Midway.

2002 — Turns 50, gets an all-new wardrobe and a new voice.

2012 — Destroyed in fire. Fair officials vow to rebuild icon for 2013.

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Source: www.yesterdayusa.com

©2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Javelina - 10/20/2012 7:25 AM

1 Vote

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I think Dopie Lee and Carmen San Diego were David Koresh followers that slipped out the back door back when the place burned down in Waco back in 1994

BANNED - 10/20/2012 7:04 AM

2 Votes

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oh look the common roach has arrived to help out the dodo

Pastor Bob - 10/19/2012 9:22 PM

1 Vote

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It is good that this Satanic idol has been destroyed. I am only surprized that the Lord waited so long. The Lord has forbidden graven images and this one must have been vexing Him for a long time. I expect He finally did the thing in with a lightning bolt. Let this incident serve as a warning to those who would flaunt their disregard for God's laws. There is only one punishment for the wicked and there is no appeal. It is Hell and there is always plenty of room. Don't go there; it's too hot.

Dodie Lee - 10/19/2012 9:08 PM

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They can delete my comments all they want, but anybody who looks at that thing can tell right away that it was a visit from the devil. That should be a warning to people who go to fairs and carnivals.

Beets Flavin - 10/19/2012 7:40 PM

0 Votes

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Big Tex was like a father to me, back in the day, bigger than life and just as real as my Daddy according to what momma told me about him.

BANNED - 10/19/2012 6:44 PM

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secure1 I think dodo reported us.

BANNED - 10/19/2012 6:36 PM

1 Vote

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what the hell, woai you are so full of crap

Javelina - 10/19/2012 5:24 PM

1 Vote

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I've always appreciated those from Texas M & A (if U.T. is going to be referred to incorrectly) being so jealous of THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS that they resort to the "saw em off" thing on their own vehicles. Awesome advertising for U.T. at the expense of Aggie's automobiles. M & A is still a decent school even if it is much easier to be accepted into than TEXAS. Such is life.

HookemHorns - 10/19/2012 4:34 PM

2 Votes

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News Update: Authorities have determined that Big Tex acually set fire to himself rather than have to watch another Mack Brown led UT disaster next year.

Ruger1 - 10/19/2012 4:08 PM

1 Vote

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seriously??!?! my posts were deleted and why? they had NOTHING offensive... ugh. well, i'll say it again. BOOMER! and, i'm sad about big tex! i was just there

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