For 60 years, Big Tex has towered over the annual State Fair of Texas, wearing his signature cowboy shirt and always a 75-gallon hat. The 52-foot-tall cowboy statue is such an icon in Dallas that when it was destroyed by a fast-moving electrical fire that began in its size-70 boots on Friday, as my colleague Manny Fernandez reports, the people of the city turned to social media to share and to mourn. The mayor vowed to rebuild.
RIP Big Tex http://t.co/8AuYtnGv
- Cody Kelley (@JABTM) 19 Oct 12
No one was injured in the blaze, which can be seen in cellphone video.
Rest in pieces big fella, we'll see you next year. Them britches were dingy anyhow. #bigtex (@ Big Tex) [pic]: http://t.co/98y9vZJu
- Jake Dean (@jakedeanphoto) 19 Oct 12
The news prompted Mayor Mike Rawlings of Dallas to head to the scene, where he vowed that Big Tex would stand again.
At State Fair #bigtex http://t.co/zjygV7YP
- Mike Rawlings (@Mike_Rawlings) 19 Oct 12
Dallas is about Big Things and #BigTex was symbolic of that. We will rebuild Big Tex bigger and better for the 21st Century. MR
- Mike Rawlings (@Mike_Rawlings) 19 Oct 12
Big Tex was even had his own Facebook page, wh ich attracted hundreds of comments.
“RIP…..Rebuild In Pride that's what Big Tex represents to Texans. Love you, Big Tex. ♥,†wrote Suzy Hagar on Facebook.
The Dallas Morning News set up a page for people to leave comments. The newspaper also pointed readers to an article about Big Tex recently turning 60 and pulled together photos of him over the years.
All you need to know about Big Tex. #bigtexfire http://t.co/Jzi0YUiW
- Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) 19 Oct 12
Big Tex charmed visitors with his voice as well as his size. He could talk, as seen here in a YouTube video uploaded in 2007.
Some people expressed regret on Twi tter for not getting their photo next to Big Tex this year. Others voiced their relief and shared their recent photos with the big, tall guy.
It's a tried-and-true tradition to start your day at the fair by posing for a pic with Big Tex. While we wait for… http://t.co/K05X7Hg6
- KDFW Newsdesk (@kdfw) 19 Oct 12
I Shoulda Took A Pic With Big Tex Tuesday );
- Handeezy Nig ♡ (@PrincessPatel3) 19 Oct 12
& I wanted to take a pic with Big Tex this Sunday :/ #RIPBigTex
- Stephanie Michelle (@13lilsteph_e) 19 Oct 12
I guess the sun has set on Big Tex. Never imagined yesterday's pic would be my last of him. #RIPBigTex http://t.co/DljfLGEX
- Angela Case Shank (@angelacaseshank) 19 Oct 12
Aww Big Tex! Glad I to ok this pic a few days ago before he burned down :'( I'm sure we'll see him again next year! http://t.co/ihu9xivi
- Soraya Ivette Photo (@SorayaIvette) 19 Oct 12
