Big Tex - We hardly knew you.

I'm sure by now you have seen the news photos and videos of Big Tex, gigantic icon of the State Fair of Texas, going up in smoke. Some have suggested that he was still steaming over the Texas/OU game, but I think it must have been the candles from his 60th birthday cake that did him in.

The word is that he went down talking. Perhaps, "Howdy, folks. My hat is on fire!" And apparently the proper memorial to lay at his feet is corneydogs.

Did you know that Big Tex was originally a Santa Claus? City fathers in Kerens, Texas created a drill pipe casing framework, made a paper mâché head and dressed the big dummy in oil cloth. Putting it kindly, it was an ugly Santa.

You sort of understand why the citizens of Kerens got tired of Santa real quick and sold the components to R. L. Thornton, the Fair President for $750. Of course, 'ol Tex wasn't much prettier. Here's a close-up:

Tex and I got to the Fair about the same time, 1952, and over the years, we've both changed. Tex had a nose job early on, and the lascivious wink had to go. He got the ability to talk in 1953, and a couple of years later he got a new fiberglass head that served him right up till the end. In the late '90s, his steel framework was rebuilt (is that like a hip transplant?) and his arm and head were made to swivel. In 2002, the Fair celebrated his 50th Anniversary, complete with a giant AARP card. This year, they had a 60th anniversary party. You had to look close, but he also got some wrinkles and a few grey hairs.

Did you know that Big Tex once welcomed Abilene Christian alumni back to the campus? In 1956, celebrating the 50th Aniversary of the school, Big Tex made the journey to Abilene and stood tall on the campus. Notice the student sitting on his boot. And the original 70 gallon hat.

State Fair officials say Tex will be back, bigger and better than ever. I just hope they make him a little better looking. Maybe like the Marlboro man. Oh, wait. I guess smoking is out, after what happened last week.