Design Big Tex's Boots for 2026 State Fair

The State Fair of Texas is accepting boot design submissions for its iconic 12-foot-tall mascot

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The State Fair of Texas is inviting the public to submit designs for Big Tex's signature boots for the 2026 fair. Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall cowboy mascot, has been a staple of the annual event since 1952. After a fire destroyed the original in 2012, the fair partnered with Lucchese to design his current size 96 boots in 2023. Now the fair is looking for fresh designs from the public, with submissions accepted through February 6, 2026 and the winner announced on March 2, 2026.

Why it matters

Big Tex is one of the most recognizable symbols of the State Fair of Texas, which draws millions of visitors each year. Allowing the public to design his iconic boots is a way to engage the community and potentially incorporate new creative elements into the fair's tradition.

The details

To enter the contest, participants must download an entry form from the fair's website, bigtex.com/designmyboots, and submit their boot design. A winner will be selected from all the submissions and their design will be featured on Big Tex for the 2026 State Fair of Texas.

  • The State Fair of Texas runs annually in early fall.
  • Submissions for the boot design contest will be accepted through Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The winning design will be announced on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Big Tex

The 52-foot-tall cowboy mascot who has greeted visitors to the State Fair of Texas since 1952.

Lucchese

The boot company that designed Big Tex's current size 96 boots in 2023 after the original was destroyed in a fire in 2012.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Allowing the public to design Big Tex's boots is a way for the State Fair of Texas to engage the community and potentially incorporate new creative elements into the fair's long-standing tradition.