5 In 1997, Big Tex got a new look. His body was rebuilt with stronger
materials. And by 2000, his arm could move. Big Tex waved at
visitors as they entered the state fair.
Big Tex Gets Bigger
6 Unfortunately, in 2012 there was an accident, and Big Tex was
destroyed in a fire. Although people were disappointed, a man named
R. Eddy Snell realized this was a chance to make a bigger and better
Big Tex. Snell’s company had built a large dragon and giant cowboy
boots before. Yet he knew the big cowboy would not be an easy job.
7 Snell had big ideas for the new cowboy. The new Big Tex would be
taller. He would stand firmly on the ground without wires attached to
hold him up. The new Big Tex’s face would move and look more like a
real cowboy. He would also have fingers that move and point. Overall,
the new Big Tex would be more lifelike.
8 Snell’s company wanted the new Big Tex to surprise people at the fair,
so the company worked secretly for ten months. The workers were
not allowed to tell anyone what they were building. In fact, they used
a secret code for Big Tex in emails and on the phone. They called him
“fried chicken.” Drawings of the designs were also labeled “fried
chicken.” This way, the workers could keep the big cowboy a secret
until he was finished.
9 Snell’s workers found a new way to make Big Tex’s face. A soft, light
material called Styrofoam was used. It could be carved easily into the
shape of a face. Then, thin layers of other soft materials were placed
on top. This way, the mouth could move almost like a person’s mouth.
The workers were careful to use materials that would not burn easily.
It was important to avoid another fire.
10 At last, Big Tex was finished. His steel-frame body was taken to a
clothing factory. There, hundreds of yards of fabric were used to
make his clothes. Big Tex was dressed in a red, white, and blue shirt,
denim jeans, colorful cowboy boots, and an even bigger cowboy hat.
11 It was time to take Big Tex to his place at the fairgrounds. A large
crane and several workers set him in place. He stood behind white
curtains, and on September 26, 2013, the curtains were dropped. At
last, everyone could see the new Big Tex.
12 Now, every fall, Big Tex greets visitors to the state fair with a smile, a
nod, and a wink. He points the way to fun attractions.
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