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Milestones in the life of Big Tex

Milestones in the life of "Big Tex," State Fair of Texas icon.
Big Tex in 1990

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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