The East Texas Santa that Became Big Tex in 1952

(Kerens, Texas) – Fair season is underway across Texas right now. The Gregg County Fair and East Texas State Fair have already wrapped up but there is plenty of fair fun still be had. All it takes is a road trip west on Interstate 20 into Dallas.

The State Fair of Texas is running through Sunday, October 19, at Fair Park in Dallas. There will be lots of great fair food, lots of rides to check out and a huge Texas greeting from Big Tex. But did you know Big Tex got his start in East Texas in 1949?

The History of Big Tex

In 1949, Kerens Chamber of Commerce manager Howell Brister proposed to the city council to build a giant Santa to bring tourists to the city. His plan was to build a 50-foot tall Santa that could be seen from Highway 31. Brister had already investigated the cost of building the giant Santa. He then presented his plan to the council where they voted and approved the construction.

Howell Brister had measured two men to get the dimensions that were needed to build the Santa then multiplied those by seven. Brister purchased the tubing for Santa’s skeleton, Kerens welding students put together the frame, agriculture students used chicken wire for the body and women from the Kerens dress factory made the clothes.

State Fair of Texas

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Download the KNUE Mobile App NowBuilding the Giant Santa

It took about two weeks for the Santa to be finished. Some workers gathered at midnight to assemble him so people would be surprised the following morning. Santa could be seen from Highway 31 but was also about a block away from the train track that ran through town. The train conductor would slow down to let passengers get a look at the Santa. Below is the modern day location of where the Santa stood:

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While the Santa was super popular among Kerens residents and visitors, the Santa quickly diminished in popularity after only two years in place. That’s when Brister said the Santa needed to be sold. He went to a West Texas town who were interested in the Santa to do the same purpose for their town, increase tourism. On his way back to Kerens, Brister stopped by the State Fair office in Dallas to make a pitch. Apparently, they liked the idea and mailed a $750 check to the Kerens chamber for the Santa.

“Howdy y’all. – Big Tex” Kerens Santa Turned into Big Tex

After a year of work to turn Santa into a cowboy, including adding the ability to talk, Big Tex debuted at the State Fair of Texas in 1952. Big Tex has seen numerous updates throughout his time as fair greeter. Kerens still proudly touts their city as the birthplace of Big Tex. Just go to the ci.kerens.tx.us and you’ll see.

So there you go, Big Tex’s humble start as an East Texas Santa to becoming an iconic Texas figure. East Texans can have some pride in knowing it started here when visiting the fair this year and in the future.

Here’s Your 2025 State Fair of Texas Food PreviewFair season in Texas is the best time to find some delicious and unique foods. Gallery Credit: Michael Gibson / Townsquare Media State Fair of TexasChocolate Covered Strawberries – Kelley Bishop of ARH TreatsBring someone sweet, and try something sweeter! Fresh, juicy strawberries are covered in velvety-smooth Belgian-style chocolate straight from their chocolate taps. A continuous flow of perfectly-melted rich European chocolate, for the perfect cheat day treat! State Fair of TexasColada Lemonada – Lacy Phillips of Cooking with LacySay “howdy” to the ultimate Texas-style fair-day refresher! The Colada Lemonada is a frozen twist on piña colada and tangy lemonade blended with creamy coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and zesty lemonade. Topped with sweet cherry syrup, a cherry, and a mini umbrella, it’s a cool, colorful sip made to keep you smiling all Fair day long! State Fair of TexasChurro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper – Steve Velasquez of Velasquez Catering & Concessions Inc.Classified as a bold reimagining of the classic jalapeño popper, this unexpected dessert pairs the gentle heat of fresh jalapeño peppers with a rich cheesecake filling. Covered in churro batter and delicately fried, the result is a surprising harmony of sugar and spice, finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a side of dulce de leche sauce. The Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper is a dessert with a Texas-sized attitude and a true State Fair of Texas original. State Fair of TexasNevins Pop-Elotes – Tami Nevins Mayes & Josey Mayes of Nevins Concessions LLCA fun twist on a street food classic! Pop-Elotes is the perfect snack to walk, talk, and munch on. A mix of spicy mayo, crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos®, Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro combines your favorite flavors of elotes with fresh, buttery carnival popcorn! Top this snack off with a juicy lime wedge, and you have a savory and airy explosion of flavors for your tastebuds that you don’t want to miss. Pop-Elotes is mouthwatering just to talk about—don’t miss out on this delicious treat! State Fair of TexasSwirly Pearls – Angel Young of Sakhuu Enterprises LLCBeat the summer sizzle with the ultimate indulgence, Swirly Pearls! A rich swirl of velvety soft serve ice cream crowned atop creamy milk tea, topped with sweetened, caramelized, soft chewy boba pearls, and drizzled with luscious brown sugar. As the soft serve begins to melt, it blends into the tea, creating a dreamy fusion of cool, creamy sweetness and warm, toasty depth. It’s a refreshingly decadent escape —smooth and silky, and made perfectly for the summer heat! State Fair of TexasRousso’s Bacon Jam Cannoli – Isaac Rousso of Taste of Cuba LLCGet ready to experience the cannoli like never before. The Bacon Jam Cannoli is a bold twist on the classic Italian treat, blending sweet and savory in every bite. Homemade bacon jam is slow-cooked with brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices, and is mixed into creamy ricotta with bits of milk chocolate, then piped into crispy cannoli shells. Each end is topped with more bacon jam, and the whole thing is drizzled in warm Belgian chocolate. One bite, and you’ll never look at a cannoli the same. State Fair of TexasFried Pickle Bombs – Rick and Tammy Stiffler of Stiffler Concessions LLCAttention pickle fanatics! A new dish featuring pickles just dropped that will blow your mind…Fried Pickle Bombs! This new pickle concoction has fried pickles laid on top a bed of Crispy Dillies® and drizzled with spicy ranch. These pickle bombs deliver a bold, satisfying punch – crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. State Fair of TexasTexa-misu – Massimiliano Tosi of EATALY DALLAS LLCIt’s time to cool down and caffeinate with the Texa-misu. This refreshing treat is an over-the-top combination of two Italian classics: tiramisù and espresso. Layers of rich Quadratini® wafer cookies are topped with creamy, frozen “cremespresso” and finished with fluffy whipped cream and more Quadratini® wafer cookies for the ultimate way to beat the Texas heat. State Fair of TexasWild Black Cherry Bliss – Jerry Shirer of Beyond Ice LLCWild Black Cherry Italian ice meets Black Cherry Cheesecake frozen custard in five indulgent layers of bold, fruity flavor. It delivers a rich, dark sweetness with a healthy dose of tartness that’s sure to surprise all fairgoers. Real black cherry pieces add a delightful texture to the smooth ice, making every bite a cool, black cherry-packed bliss. If you want to cool down from the Texas heat, then make sure to try the Wild Black Cherry Bliss! State Fair of TexasDeep Fried Carbonara – Massimiliano Tosi of EATALY DALLAS LLCHave you ever craved carbonara on the go? Well, now your favorite Italian pasta is portable! Introducing Deep Fried Carbonara, a cheesy spaghetti carbonara gets breaded and deep fried until golden brown and delicious. Bacon’s Italian cousin, Guanciale, meets Pecorino Romano DOP, rich egg yolks, and authentic Pasta di Gragnano IGP for a piping hot bite of crave-worthy Tex-Italian deliciousness. State Fair of TexasPop Rocks® Margarita – Cody and Lauren Hays of Texas Holy Catering and Concessions LLCGet ready for a nostalgic explosion in a cup – Pop Rocks® Margarita! Combining the classic frozen margarita with fizzy Pop Rocks® and a firework-style garnish, it’s a drink that literally pops from the first sip to the last! This creative drink was created to capture the magic of the State Fair of Texas with an unforgettable twist. State Fair of TexasUbe Rice-Cream Crunch – James Barrera of Barrera’sUbe Rice-Cream Crunch is a dreamy tribute to Filipino flavor! It starts with sweet, vibrant ube (purple yam) and gets a crispy topping of puffed rice made using the traditional South Asian muri method, where dry salt is heated to a high temperature, then special rice is added to puff and pop. Finished with a swirl of Cool Whip® and a cherry on top, it’s crunchy, creamy, and island dreamy. Ube—believe in love at first bite! State Fair of TexasMeat Lovers Crunchwrap® Calzone – Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee of Winter Family Concessions LLCGet ready for a flavor-packed bite with this crispy, deep-fried Italian-style creation! A fluffy flour tortilla is loaded with shredded mozzarella, spicy, diced pepperoni and salami, and seasoned ground beef, all topped with a bold, zesty red sauce full of Italian herbs—then folded and fried to golden perfection. It’s like your favorite meat lover’s calzone, wrapped and ready to go. Served with homemade mozzarella bites that are cut fresh from the block, triple-dipped, and fried until crispy on the outside and melty inside with a side of ranch and marinara for dipping. Finished with fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of parmesan, every bite is a savory, cheesy, crunchy celebration. Mamma Mia, it’s Fair food at its finest! State Fair of TexasSub-Lime-ly Berrylicious Cooler – Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee of Winter Family Concessions LLCIntroducing the Sub-Lime-ly Berrylicious Cooler! Sweet strawberries, zesty limes, and coconut water make this thirst-quenching cooler the perfect drink for strolling around the Fair! Sweet strawberry flavors are mixed with tart limeade and coconut water and is garnished with a strawberry hearts skewer, lime twists, and a sprig of fresh mint. Packed with bold flavors and electrolytes, this delightful libation packs a punch of hydration perfect for those hot Texas days! The more adventurous may like to add Prosecco or alcohol of their choice for an additional kick! State Fair of TexasWild Corn Wheels – Kyle Wall of Eatertaining Events, Inc.In the mood for Tejano-inspired cuisine at the State Fair of Texas? Be sure to try Wild Corn Wheels! This dish includes cut corn on the cob with butter, salt, pepper, and up to two sauces of your choosing: BBQ, Cajun, Tajín®, Garlic-Parmesan, Lemon-Pepper, Hot Honey, Buffalo, and Mango-Habanero. State Fair of TexasWhat on Earth is This? – Christopher Easter & Nicole Sternes of SouthSide The RealestWhat on Earth is This? A UFO-shaped smash burger has landed atop a cloud of crispy ranch onion rings at the State Fair of Texas, inviting fairgoers on a flavor-packed adventure. This cosmic creation features a juicy smashed beef patty, tender chicken & steak, and fresh, colorful vegetables—all nestled in a buttery bun. It’s topped with mustard, provolone, and zesty chipotle mayo for an irresistible burst of flavor. Seasoned with fiery green chile, every bite delivers a bold, explosive kick—especially when you inject it with the mysterious sauce. Truly out of this world, fairgoers are asking, “What on Earth is this?” It’s the greatest burger in the galaxy—an unforgettable invasion of your taste buds! State Fair of TexasYabba Dabba Doo® Dirty Sprite® – Christopher Easter & Nicole Sternes of SouthSide The RealestIntroducing the Yabba Dabba Doo — a dirty Sprite® that serves up ultimate fruity, fizzy fun straight from Bedrock! This vibrant drink combines your favorite lemon lime soda with crunchy ice pebbles, luscious strawberry and green apple syrups, with fresh mango and strawberries for a burst of flavor. A splash of coconut crème adds a tropical twist, while Skittles® and Lemonheads® turn it into a playful dirty soda. Topped with a pineapple slice, whipped cream, chewy ropes, and a sprinkle of Fruity Pebbles®, this bubbly yard cup is a party in every sip that will have you exclaiming “Yabba Dabba Doo” at the Fair! State Fair of TexasRussell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs – Palmer Fortune of Palmer’s Hot ChickenRussell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs start with homemade key lime pie mixed with extra graham cracker crust and crushed Nilla Wafers®. Rolled into bite-sized pieces, they’re hand-dipped in top-ranked pancake batter, fried golden, then topped with Chantilly cream, powdered sugar, and a sugar-coated lime jelly candy. State Fair of TexasCajun Stuffed Seashells – Clint & Gretchen Probst of Concession Staffing Services LLCWant to take a trip to New Orleans while breathing in the fresh air of fried food at the State Fair of Texas? Then get ready for Cajun Stuffed Seashells! Jumbo pasta shells are cooked to al dente perfection, then a heavenly Crescent City combination of shrimp, andouille sausage, secret sauce, rice, cheese, and cornbread stuffing is stuffed into the shells. Three of the shells are served with Cajun Alfredo sauce for dipping, making for a perfect dish that is light and crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside. State Fair of TexasLobster Three Ways – Clint & Gretchen Probst of Concession Staffing Services LLCAre you a huge fan of lobster? Do you want to try it in three different ways? Then you might want to check out Lobster Three Ways! This sensational dish will include a lobster roll slider, popcorn fried lobster, and the fan-favorite Lobster Mac & Cheese! A delicious lobster and seafood blend will also be incorporated into the mix, ensuring that Lobster Lounge will give you a rich and delicious experience. State Fair of TexasDecadent Dubai Chocolate Dream – Tino Sosa of BBT Concessions Inc.Indulge in the Decadent Dubai Chocolate Dream, a dessert fantasy packed with decadence. A pistachio butter kataifi rim lines a 16-oz cup and is drizzled with rich chocolate, filled with fresh strawberries between two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and topped with whipped cream. Finished with freeze-dried strawberries, pistachio floss, and a gold-dusted brown butter Dubai chocolate chip cookie stuffed with pistachio kataifi, marshmallow, chocolate, and secret ingredients—every bite is pure luxury. Ready to dive in? State Fair of TexasThe Texan Crepe – Jean-Brice Noutoua of Crepes and Co. LLCBig flavor, bold attitude! Tender, smoked brisket wrapped in a cone-shaped savory crepe, loaded with onions, tomatoes, arugula, and melted cheese. Served with a smoky sriracha mayo and a punchy chimichurri sauce on the side, the Texas Smoked Brisket Crepe is sure to knock your cowboy boots off. Saddle up, it’s time to dig in the Texan way! State Fair of TexasTexas Water – Abel Gonzales of AG Foods LLCTexas Water transforms your drink into a tropical delight! The natural flavors will transform any spring water, sparkling water, or pale ale into a pineapple or lime refresher. Just one sip is all it takes to bring you closer to paradise. Try it with a Topo Chico® or a craft pale ale. Developed locally with the State Fair in mind, come taste the magic! State Fair of TexasCornbread Doughnut – Milton & Grace Whitley of Homestyle Products, LLCIf comfort food had a fairytale moment…this is it! The Cornbread Doughnut is blended with a southern cornbread mix and classic cake batter, then topped with an added touch of Amish-inspired richness. Served your way, with your choice of their signature cheesecake glaze or warm honey butter glaze. Looking to flip this sweet treat into a savory classic? Get it with jalapeños, cheese, or crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate cornbread glow-up! State Fair of TexasFrozen Pickleback – Dwania Morris of Enjoy FoodsPickle juice just got sweeter (and spicier!) The Frozen Pickleback is a salty, sweet, savory, and sour frozen drink with a dill pickle kick, served with a crunchy dill pickle & Tajín® rim. Want to turn up the heat? Choose your shot of choice and make it a refreshing alcoholic beverage! State Fair of TexasAguasol Tequila® Corazon Verde – Bryce Hamilton of OVG HospitalityTake a break from the Texas heat and try this refreshing drink that combines melon and elderflower liqueur. Infused with lavender bitters and Aguasol Tequila®, and garnished with pineapple fronds, a fresh pineapple wedge, and a juicy cantaloupe wedge, the Aguasol Tequila® Corazon Verde is so elegantly smooth that it’ll have you coming back for more! State Fair of TexasOx’cellent Cornbread Sliders – Kerston Crawford-Thorns of Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen, Inc.Prepare yourself for a new “ox-traordinary” dish… Ox’cellent Cornbread Sliders! Savory beef oxtails are slowly simmered for hours until rich, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender. They are then piled high onto Southern Charm Cornbread, layered with smoky collard green slaw, melted smoked gouda, and spicy mayo for just the right kick. This bold, Southern stack is finished with crispy edges and deep flavor in every bite. State Fair of TexasBirria Ramen Bowl – Omar Alsaedeldein of Mr. Ramen FusionCalling all ramen lovers! The Ramen Birria Bowl starts with a bed of ramen tossed with corn, cilantro, and crispy onion. Flavorful and tender Birria meat is piled on, then topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. It is then served with consommé for that perfect fusion comfort food you didn’t know you needed! State Fair of TexasLittle Lone Star Drinkwear – Justin Martinez of Fiesta Enterprises Inc.Stay cool and stylish with the wearable, refillable 16 oz. State Fair of Texas Little Lone Star Drinkwear. This character drink pouch is perfect for kids and kids at heart! Beat the Texas heat and treat yourself to a frosty frozen lemonade, like the Giddy Up Lemon Whip. Sounds too sweet for your liking? Try the sugar-free option topped with creamy cold foam and your choice of flavored syrup. It’s a must-have Fair favorite you can sip on the go! State Fair of TexasGuac-a-Rrons – Tony & Terry Bednar of Tony’s Taco Shop LLCExperience the delectable Guac-a-Rrons! Prepare yourself to try tender, flavorful deep-fried pork belly paired with a generous serving of fresh guacamole. This dish presents a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will enhance your culinary experience. Each crunchy chicharron offers a satisfying crisp, followed by the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the pork belly. The dish is topped with pickled red bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro, adding a colorful and vibrant garnish that elevates the overall taste profile. State Fair of TexasBaja Fish Tacos – Tony & Terry Bednar of Tony’s Taco Shop LLCIf you’re all about the fresh flavors of the sea, then this dish is for you! The Baja Fish Tacosoffers a perfect blend of crispy fish and vibrant toppings, all complemented by a creamy, zesty sauce. Each serving includes three expertly-prepared tacos, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience that captures the essence of Baja cuisine. This iconic dish is a beloved staple for all lovers of the sea! State Fair of TexasVegan Crunchwrap Supreme® – Jovan and Josh Cole of Vegan VibrationzHealthy, vegan, and crunchy? You don’t have to tell us twice. Vegan Vibrationz is making history by being one of the first vegan vendors at the State Fair of Texas. Introducing their best-selling Vegan Crunchwrap®, you won’t be-leaf it’s vegan! Loaded with seasoned plant-based meat crumble, nacho cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, and tomatoes wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla. State Fair of TexasRodeo Roper Pretzel – Rick and Tammy Stiffler of Stiffler Concessions LLCSaddle up for a smoky snack with Stiffler’s Rodeo Lounge Rodeo Roper Pretzel! Twisted to perfection and drizzled in rich, tangy barbeque sauce, it’s a rodeo-inspired bite that ropes in bold flavor with every chew! State Fair of TexasEl Cono Loco – Brad and Shirley Weiss of Weiss Enterprises, LLC.CONE on over and meet your new Fair favorite – El Cono Loco! A creamy Tex-Mex chicken spaghetti packed with Hatch green chiles, queso, and shredded Monterey Jack, all tucked inside a fresh-baked garlic parmesan bread cone. Topped with fresh Pico, cool sour cream, and a slice of avocado. Big flavor, bold twist—and all the deliciousness you can handle! State Fair of TexasChocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dippin’ Dots® – Brandon Coston of EMC New Beginnings, LLC.Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dippin’ Dots® are back! Why have one cookie when you can have a dozen in a cup? Come cool off and enjoy the nostalgic mix of creamy vanilla dots and real cookie dough pieces in every bite! State Fair of TexasMatcha Cream Float – Keith Tran of Perfect Timing Concepts LLC dba SandoitchiThis Matcha Cream Float is a playful twist on the classic Italian affogato, made with rich, velvety matcha ice cream topped with a bold shot of ceremonial-grade matcha. Finished with a delicate Japanese sugar cookie shaped like the iconic Big Tex® logo, it’s a creamy, energizing treat that blends Texas pride with Japanese tradition! State Fair of TexasDole Soft Serve Mango – Brandon Coston of EMC New Beginnings, LLC.Want to feel like you’re on vacation? Escape to the tropics with refreshing DOLE Soft Serve® Mango—bright, fruity, and dairy-free. Enjoy it in a cup, cone, swirl, or level it up as a sundae with Tajín® and chamoy for a sweet and spicy twist! State Fair of TexasOG Handmade Cinnamon Rolls – Taelor Martinez of Shug’s Cinnamon RollsShug’s Cinnamon Rolls is bringing their OG flavors to the Fair this year! You’ll see flavors like original, cream cheese iced, and iced with pecans, as well as some new handcrafted favorites: strawberries and cream, apple crumble, cookies and cream, birthday sprinkles, pecan praline, chocolate glazed, and the Texas Squealer (with bacon!) Their famous gooey and caramelized hand-rolled cinnamon rolls will leave you wanting more! State Fair of TexasIced Coffee with Ube Milk Foam – Leslie Chan of Chan’s EateryIf you need a refreshing pick-me-up while roaming the State Fair of Texas, come and try Iced Coffee with Ube Milk Foam! This twist on a classic iced coffee will have in-house-made ube (purple yam) milk foam that has a mildly sweet taste with hints of a nutty vanilla flavor. It is guaranteed to satisfy your caffeine needs and serve as the perfect pick-me-up to finish your Fair day strong! The Mouth Watering Big Tex Choice Award Winners Have Been CrownedEvery year the State Fair of Texas offers the best fair food in the country. Gallery Credit: Michael Gibson / Townsquare Media State Fair of TexasWinner — Best Taste – Savory: Crab & Mozzarella Arancini, Stefan T. NedwetzkyOur Crab & Mozzarella Arancini are handcrafted with an irresistible blend of premium Maryland Blue Crab meat, white rice, mozzarella cheese, spring onion, red bell pepper, lemon, and black pepper. Each rice ball is delicately seasoned with aromatic herbs including garlic, coriander, and basil. They are dipped in a crunchy breadcrumb coating, then deep fried to a golden, crispy finish. Handmade in small batches to ensure the highest quality! Served with a side of our homemade marinara sauce. State Fair of TexasWinner — Best Taste – Sipper: Cookie Chaos Milkshake, Brad WeissThis shake is what cookie dreams are made of! A rich, creamy, cookie butter milkshake loaded with snickerdoodle chunks, Golden Oreo® Cookies, and classic Oreo® Cookies for the ultimate cookie explosion. We top it with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, a scoop of edible cookie butter cookie dough, a perfectly perched Biscoff® cookie, and a cookie butter drizzle that ties it all together. Finished with a rim coated in crushed Biscoff ® cookie pieces for that extra crunch in every sip, theCookie Chaos Milkshake is sweet, spiced, and unapologetically over the top. State Fair of TexasWinner — Best Taste – Sweet: Chill & Thrill Delight, Tony & Terry BednarlChill & Thrill Delight is a vibrant, refreshing twist on Colombia’s famous Salpicon de Frutas that is perfect for a warm day at the State Fair. A Texas-sized cup is packed with juicy, diced mango, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, and strawberries, all soaked in fresh watermelon juice with a splash of lime. It’s topped with a handcrafted shaved mango sorbet that slowly melts into the mix for a sweet, tangy fusion. Whether you’re cooling off or chasing bold flavors, this fruity treat is sure to thrill! State Fair of TexasWinner — Most Creative: Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders, Kendall WilliamsWho knew a deviled egg could become the juiciest, most flavor-packed burger slider ever? We did! The Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders start with a Cajun-seasoned Wagyu patty, topped with aged cheddar and crispy applewood bacon. The twist? Instead of a bun, it’s sandwiched between two deep fried, panko-crusted deviled egg halves—crispy outside, creamy and tangy inside. Served with a house-made ketchup-inspired sauce, it’s a bold, one-of-a-kind bite you have to try at this year’s Fair!