Big Tex: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 32°46′47″N 96°45′44″W / 32.77972°N 96.76222°W / 32.77972; -96.76222
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Big Tex welcomes fairgoers with his friendly drawl of "Hoooowwwdeee, fooolllllks!" and makes regular announcements throughout the duration of the State Fair of Texas. His booming voice has been played by only a few men over six decades, who perform every day of the fair from a booth known as the "doghouse."
Big Tex welcomes fairgoers with his friendly drawl of "Hoooowwwdeee, fooolllllks!" and makes regular announcements throughout the duration of the State Fair of Texas. His booming voice has been played by only a few men over six decades, who perform every day of the fair from a booth known as the "doghouse."


Former disc jockey Al Jones was the first voice of Big Tex, filling the role for only one season in 1953. Radio announcer [[Jim Lowe]], the most well-known voice of Big Tex, performed for 39 continuous years until 1998. Dan Alexander stepped up for the next two years. In 2001 a statewide competition and contest, held live at the [[Cotton Bowl]], announced [[Sonny Ray Stolz]] as the next voice of Big Tex. But after only one season he was replaced with runner-up Bill Bragg in 2002. <ref>"Psst! There's a new voice for Big Tex." David Flick. The Dallas Morning News. 01-26-2012</ref>
Al Jones, a WRR FM 101.1 dj, was the first voice of Big Tex. Al spoke for Big Tex for three years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.dallas.tx.us/cso/archives/Exhibits/WRR/WRRdjs.htm |title=Famous WRR Disc Jockeys |author= |date= |work= |publisher=dallascityhall.com |accessdate=26 October 2012}}</ref> Radio announcer [[Jim Lowe]], the most well-known voice of Big Tex, performed for 39 continuous years until 1998. Dan Alexander stepped up for the next two years. In 2001 a statewide competition and contest, held live at the [[Cotton Bowl]], announced [[Sonny Ray Stolz]] as the next voice of Big Tex. But after only one season he was replaced with runner-up Bill Bragg in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yesterdayusa.com/bigtex/ |title=Psst! There's a new voice for Big Tex |author=David Flick |date=26 January 2012 |work=yesterdayusa.com |publisher=The Dallas Morning News |accessdate=26 October 2012}}</ref>


==Depictions==
==Depictions==

Revision as of 00:12, 27 October 2012


Big Tex
Big Tex as seen in October 2008
Map
General information
LocationFair Park in Dallas
Coordinates32°46′47″N 96°45′44″W / 32.77972°N 96.76222°W / 32.77972; -96.76222
DestroyedOctober 19, 2012

Big Tex was a 52-foot (16 m) tall statue and marketing icon of the annual State Fair of Texas held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. The figure has become a cultural icon of Dallas and Texas. Since 1952 Big Tex has served as a cultural ambassador to visitors, and the prime location in the fairgrounds serves as a traditional meeting point.

On October 19, 2012, the last weekend of the 2012 State Fair of Texas, Big Tex was destroyed by fire.

History

Big Tex, 1956

Origins

Kerens, Texas is known as the "Birthplace of Big Tex," although his original incarnation was as a 49 foot (15 m) tall Santa Claus constructed from iron drill casing, papier mache, and unraveled rope in 1949.[1] The statue was an idea of Howell Brister, manager of the Chamber of Commerce, to encourage holiday sales in the town, and the "World's Largest Santa Claus" (a claim later disputed) stood over Colket Avenue for two holiday seasons — drawing press attention from as far away as Iran and Australia.[2][3][4] Modeled after Kerens residents Ottis Franklin Spurlock and Hardy Mayo, the figure was built by members of the community who welded the frame, fabricated the body and sewed the clothing.[5]

After two seasons excitement around the statue faded, and Kerns offered it up for sale. In 1951, State Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased Santa's components for $750 and had artist Jack Bridges transform them into a cowboy, giving birth to big "Tex".

1952 to 2012

Big Tex made his debut at the 1952 fair, dressed in denim jeans and a plaid shirt donated by the H. D. Lee Company of Shawnee Mission, Kansas.[6] Mr. Artist Bridges used a photograph of his own face, a photograph of rancher Doc Simmons and a photograph of Will Rogers to create the new look.[7] After the fair, his appearance was slightly altered to straighten his nose and correct an odd wink. It was in 1953 that Big Tex also began speaking. Using a custom-built recipromotor and a 75-watt speaker system housed in the figure's head, Jack Bridges devised a way to create the illusion of natural speech with a swinging jaw.[8] He also attended a convention in Minneapolis that year.[9]

In 1955 Big Tex received his first new change of clothes, again fabricated by the H. D. Lee Company.[10] After that year's fair, he traveled to West Texas to participate in Abilene Christian College's 50th annual homecoming celebration.[11] A 12-foot-tall, 19-foot long plastic model of a Hereford steer (called "The Champ") accompanied Big Tex for the 1956 fair, but Big Tex was primarily displayed alone. During the 1950s Big Tex underwent further re-design, replacing the papier mache "skin" with fiberglass. The original head was put into storage and later sold at auction in 1993 to a Dallas collector. [12]

Big Tex, 2006

The State Fair of Texas announced the construction of a permanent, year-round statue of Big Tex in 1961, but the figure remained a seasonal feature appearing only during the fair.[13] Instead, the Big Tex Circle display area was redesigned in 1966 with a larger mound.[14]

Big Tex traveled to his hometown of Kerens, Texas in 1981 to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city.[15] The figure continued to travel to various promotional events until the mid 1980s.

In 1997, Big Tex was given a skeletal makeover consisting of 4,200 feet of steel rods weighing 6,000 pounds. The new skeleton adjusted the posture and allowed for a new hand that waved to passersby, but kept the original head.[16] Three years later his neck was animated, allowing it to turn; his mechanical mouth was also upgraded with a new system.[17]

Big Tex celebrated his 50th birthday in 2002, receiving a giant birthday cake and an AARP card. Shades of gray were added to the hair and wrinkles were added the figure's hands and face as Big Tex continued to "age." [18] In 2012 the State Fair of Texas celebrated Big Tex's 60th birthday.

Destruction

Big Tex as seen during the fire on 19 October 2012

On the morning of October 19, 2012 (the final weekend of the 2012 State Fair of Texas, and on Big Tex's 60th birthday) a fire started inside the framework of Big Tex. The figure's clothing, face and hat were completely destroyed in minutes as onlookers watched. While an official investigation has not yet taken place, state fair officials believe that the fire was due to an electrical short.[19][20]

News of the fire received national attention, and fair officials have committed to rebuilding Big Tex "bigger and better" in time for the 2013 fair.

Clothing

Big Tex generally receives a new shirt and jeans every 3 seasons, currently designed and fabricated by the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company.

He wears size 70 boots, a 75 gallon hat, a size 100 180/181 shirt made from nylon awning fabric and 284W/185L XXXXXL pair of Dickies jeans. The pants alone require 72 yards of denim and weigh in at 65 pounds. Over the years the outfit has been accessorized with other articles associated with that year's State Fair of Texas theme. Big Tex has suffered a few garment mishaps over the years. In 1961, Hurricane Carla's winds tore his clothes. In 1970, his huge shirt was stolen from a pickup truck and received much publicity.[21]

Voices of Big Tex

Big Tex welcomes fairgoers with his friendly drawl of "Hoooowwwdeee, fooolllllks!" and makes regular announcements throughout the duration of the State Fair of Texas. His booming voice has been played by only a few men over six decades, who perform every day of the fair from a booth known as the "doghouse."

Al Jones, a WRR FM 101.1 dj, was the first voice of Big Tex. Al spoke for Big Tex for three years.[22] Radio announcer Jim Lowe, the most well-known voice of Big Tex, performed for 39 continuous years until 1998. Dan Alexander stepped up for the next two years. In 2001 a statewide competition and contest, held live at the Cotton Bowl, announced Sonny Ray Stolz as the next voice of Big Tex. But after only one season he was replaced with runner-up Bill Bragg in 2002.[23]

Depictions

Centennial Liquor sign in Dallas, Texas referencing Big Tex
  • In an episode of the FOX-TV animated series of King of the Hill, Big Tex is the focus of the 8th Season episode titled "Girl, You'll Be a Giant Soon," which first aired April 25, 2004, Hank Hill is upset that the State Fair of Texas will not allow propane Bar-B-Que grills to be used. Luanne Platter, Hill's niece, decides to protest this by climbing inside Big Tex and staging a sit-in protest.
  • The image of Big Tex and the statue's iconic stance is commonly used in regional advertising campaigns.
  • The State Fair of Texas uses Big Tex in all marketing material, including the fair's website domain name (www.bigtex.com).
  • In 2005 the State Fair of Texas created the Big Tex Choice Awards, an annual food competition between vendors of the fair. The trophy merges the Academy Award's Oscar body with an oversized Big Tex head.
  • Big Tex is featured on the cover of the 1983 comic "The Uncanny X-Men at the State Fair of Texas."[24]

References

  1. ^ http://ci.kerens.tx.us/index.php?id=mteznzm1odmxnq5
  2. ^ "Big Tex ready for 60th." Dallas Morning News, The (TX) 28 Sep. 2012, 1, BRIEFING: 09. NewsBank. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
  3. ^ http://www.bigtex.com/sft/AboutUs/BigTex.asp
  4. ^ "Big D." Dallas Morning News. 12-17-1952
  5. ^ http://lubbockonline.com/texas/2011-12-12/recalling-history-big-tex#.UIGSS2mMXV4
  6. ^ http://www.bigtex.com/sft/AboutUs/BigTex.asp
  7. ^ http://www.yesterdayusa.com/big_tex_fact_page.htm
  8. ^ "The Tallest Talkin' Texan is Texas' Tallest Talker." Dallas Morning News. 10-11-1953.
  9. ^ http://www.bigtex.com/sft/guestinfo/documents/BigTex101.pdf
  10. ^ "Fair's Big 'Tex' to Get New Duds." Dallas Morning News. 09-26-1955
  11. ^ "Big Tex Goes to College." Dallas Morning News. 11-01-1955
  12. ^ http://www.chron.com/communityblogs/atmosphere/article/Archive-Head-of-Big-Tex-goes-for-big-bucks-at-3964277.php
  13. ^ "Tex to Get Permanent Fair Home." Dallas Morning News. 09-21-1961.
  14. ^ "Big Tex Gets Buildup." Dallas Morning News. 08-29-1966
  15. ^ http://ci.kerens.tx.us/index.php?id=mteznzm1odmxnq5
  16. ^ Floyd, Jacquielynn. "A REFINED COWBOY - Body building has given Big Tex a picturesque physique." Dallas Morning News, The (TX) 23 Sep. 1997, ARLINGTON MORNING NEWS, NEWS ARLINGTON: 10A. NewsBank. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
  17. ^ Horner, Kim. "A turning point - State Fair will be a pivotal moment for Big Tex and new swiveling head." The Dallas Morning News 15 Sep. 2000, THIRD, NEWS: 1A. NewsBank. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
  18. ^ APPLETON, ROY. "Big Tex, 50, and he's still a hunk - No loose-fitting jeans here, but there is that AARP membership." The Dallas Morning News 17 Aug. 2002, SECOND, NEWS: 1A. NewsBank. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
  19. ^ "Fire leaves Big Tex a skeletal frame". Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  20. ^ "Texas Icon 'Big Tex' Burns to the Ground". BackstageOL. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  21. ^ "Big Tex ready for 60th." Dallas Morning News, The (TX) 28 Sep. 2012, 1, BRIEFING: 09. NewsBank. Web. 19 Oct. 2012.
  22. ^ "Famous WRR Disc Jockeys". dallascityhall.com. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  23. ^ David Flick (26 January 2012). "Psst! There's a new voice for Big Tex". yesterdayusa.com. The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  24. ^ http://comicbookliteracy.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-first-comic-book.html

External Links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Texas State Fair.
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