The State Fair of Texas has announced the winner of the 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest after receiving more than 400 entries from artists of all ages
In a release Monday, the State Fair said 31-year-old Aaliyah McNeal said she hopes her winning design is “as symbolic as it is fashionable.”
“Key Texas symbols come together to create the embellishments at the heart of my design,” she said. “From a distance, sweeping patterns mimic the rich textures of genuine leather, accented by pops of red and blue in honor of the Texas flag. Up close, you’re met with Texas-sized icons that immediately draw the eye, including a longhorn, bluebonnets, pecan trees, prickly pears, and even the iconic 212-foot-tall Texas Star Ferris Wheel.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
RELATED: Dallas ISD teens to get free entry pass to 2026 State Fair of Texas
McNeal will now get the chance to work alongside State Fair of Texas officials and Lucchese Bootmaker to bring the design to life before the fair opens in September. For more information, you can visit the Design My Boots site here.