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Big Tex Gets Dressed for the Fair

By BJ Austin, KERA Reporter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-763423.mp3

Dallas, TX – Big Tex is standing tall and ready for Friday's opening of the State Fair of Texas. KERA's BJ Austin says he's also looking very sharp in some new duds.

A crane hoisted the 52-foot tall State Fair icon into place as local preschoolers chanted and cheered. Dickies provides a new pair of blue jeans and a new shirt for Big Tex every three years. Misty Otto, with Dickey's, says Big Tex's new, bright yellow shirt is a first and big.

Otto: His outfit in total is about 600% larger than the standard sample pattern, and his shirt is about 10 feet by 17 feet. So, it's pretty big.

Sue Gooding, with the Fair, says this year features a new multimedia and fireworks show on the Esplanade, plus an acrobatic act that'll leave spectators breathless.

Gooding: We have a daredevil stunt team that will be high atop 80-foot sway poles above Gateway Plaza. They're generations of acrobats. First time here at the Fair. We're very excited about having them.

The gates of the 2008 State Fair of Texas open Friday at 10am.