Kerens, TX
The East Texas Weekend Preview — Did you know that Big Tex, the giant, animatronic mascot of the Texas State Fair, is an East Texan!?
That’s right! Born and raised in Kerens, west of Athens. However, he looked quite a bit different than the rootin’-tootin’ cowboy we all know.
Dressed in festive Christmas attire, Big Tex was originally known as the largest Santa in the world back in 1949. His placement within the city was in effort to draw folks in from all over to help boost the local economy.
After growing in popularity, Robert L. Thornton, a previous president of the Texas State Fair, decided to purchase Big Tex, give him a makeover and present him as the towering cheerful greeter for the fairgrounds in Dallas.
Although Big Tex dresses different nowadays, he continues to offer a joyful smile and wave to all those that come his way.
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Today, you can visit a beautiful plaque in the heart of the Kerens that shares his massive story.
Big Tex’s historical marker can be found at the intersection of Colket Ave and 4th Street.
The huge East Texan, himself, can still be found at the State Fair Grounds in Dallas.
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