Big Tex Steps Into New Boots At The State Fair Of Texas

Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall cowboy statue that greets visitors at Fair Park each year, will wear new boots at the State Fair of Texas this fall.

The fair announced 31-year-old Aaliyah McNeal as the winner of its Big Tex Boot Design Contest on Monday. McNeal’s design blends Texas and state fair icons.

McNeal, who now lives in Georgia, grew up near Fair Park and attended the fair every year with her family. She said that she cherishes the memories and hopes visitors see the heart of her design.

“Key Texas symbols come together to create the embellishments at the heart of my design. 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,” McNeal said, describing her design. “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.”

The contest, launched in 2019 with Lucchese Boot Company, marked the theme “Celebrating Texas Creativity.” Big Tex last got new boots in 2023. Those boots are now on loan to the Smithsonian American Art Museum through September 7 as part of the exhibition State Fairs: Growing American Craft.

This year’s contest drew nearly 450 entries from artists of various ages from across the United States. A panel of judges picked five finalists based on creativity, Texas pride, and suitability for Big Tex.

“The response to this year’s Big Tex Boot Design Contest was incredible, and we’re grateful to every Fair fan who shared their creativity with us,” Jennifer Schuder, senior vice president of customer engagement for the State Fair of Texas, said in a statement.

McNeal will collaborate with the State Fair and Lucchese to finalize the boots.

“As a Texas-born brand, we’re always inspired by designs that celebrate the culture and identity of Texas. We’re proud to partner with the State Fair of Texas to transform her vision into a handcrafted pair of boots,” said Doug Kindy, president of Lucchese.