Big Tex may not be fireproof, but he is timeless. As the official greeter and probably the biggest photo op of the State Fair of Texas, the Dickies-clad icon has been a welcoming presence since 1952.

Their solution? A 49-foot-tall Santa Claus. Almost 80 years later, that figure is far better known by a different name: Big Tex, who made his public debut at the opening of the 1952 State Fair, ...

DALLAS — Go to bigtex.com for more information.

Almost 80 years later, that figure is far better known by a different name: Big Tex, who made his public debut at the opening of the 1952 State Fair, wearing size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat.