News for North Texas
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Big Tex Makeover: Head And Hat Taking Shape

Big Tex is beginning to look like himself again after fire destroyed the State Fair icon last October.

Fair officials have released a video preview of Big Tex’s head and hat taking shape.  They say designers, engineers, animatronics experts and puppeteers are working hard to have Big Tex ready for his “big reveal” September 27th, opening day of the 2013 State Fair.

But it’s not just Big Tex getting some 'work done’.  Crews at Fair Park in Dallas are reconstructing Big Tex Plaza where the new and improved, 52 feet tall Cowboy will stand.

So far, fans have contributed more than $74,000 to the Big Tex rebuilding fund. The total cost is estimated at more than $500,000.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PykEoEXqAjw

Former KERA reporter BJ Austin spent more than 25 years in broadcast journalism, anchoring and reporting in Atlanta, New York, New Orleans and Dallas. Along the way, she covered Atlanta City Hall, the Georgia Legislature and the corruption trials of Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards.