DALLAS — The State Fair of Texas is kicking off in just one week and the 55-foot Big Tex went up Friday, Sept. 17 at 10. a.m.

When the state fair was cancelled last year due to COVID, Big Tex joined his fellow Texans and wore a mask while welcoming all guests to the drive-thru food experience. This year, he is taking off his mask after receiving his vaccine.

The official greeter and icon of the State Fair of Texas was originally created in 1949 for a Christmas celebration in Kerens, Texas. He was supposed to be the world’s largest Santa Claus at 49 feet tall.

In 1951, fair officials thought Big Tex would be a great promotion to entice people to go to the fair, and so Big Tex made his way up to Dallas for a little restructuring and makeover before he made his fair debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas.

Big Tex has been working at the state fair for 65 years. But it wasn’t always easy. After a hot October day in 2012, a fire broke out at the fair and the statue was damaged. After a year of planning and development, a 55-foot Big Tex showed up to work for the 2013 state fair.

The State Fair of Texas opens its doors on Sept. 24 and goes until Oct 17. The state fair strongly urges you to be vaccinated before you enter the fairgrounds. Dallas County Health and Human Services will also be present throughout the entire fair to offer free vaccines on site.

Masks will be required indoors and if you are taking DART to the fair. The fair continues to remind you to wash your hands often and social distance to protect yourself and those around you.