Georgia Woman Designs New Boots for Big Tex at State Fair of Texas

Aaliyah McNeal's winning entry features Texas icons like longhorns, bluebonnets, and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:21pm

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The State Fair of Texas announced that Aaliyah McNeal, a 31-year-old Georgia resident, has won the 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest. McNeal's design, which beat out nearly 450 other entries, will adorn the iconic 55-foot-tall Big Tex figure with a new pair of size-96 boots for this year's fair running from September 25 to October 18.

Why it matters

Big Tex has been a beloved landmark and meeting point for State Fair of Texas visitors since his debut in 1952. The annual boot design contest allows the fair to refresh his iconic look and incorporate new elements that celebrate the state's culture and history.

The details

McNeal's winning design incorporates a number of Texas references, including a longhorn, bluebonnets, pecan trees, prickly pears, and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. As the contest winner, McNeal will now work with the State Fair of Texas and Lucchese Bootmaker to finalize her design ahead of this year's fair.

  • The State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18, 2026.
  • The 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest was recently concluded.

The players

Aaliyah McNeal

A 31-year-old Georgia resident who grew up visiting the State Fair of Texas and submitted the winning design for Big Tex's new boots.

State Fair of Texas

The annual state fair held in Dallas, Texas, which features the iconic 55-foot-tall Big Tex figure.

Lucchese Bootmaker

The boot company that partnered with the State Fair of Texas to present the Big Tex Boot Design Contest.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to unveil Aaliyah's winning design and can't wait for fairgoers to see Big Tex in his new boots this year.”

— Mitchell Glieber, President of the State Fair of Texas

What’s next

McNeal will work with the State Fair of Texas and Lucchese Bootmaker to finalize the design of Big Tex's new boots ahead of the 2026 fair, which runs from September 25 to October 18.

The takeaway

The annual Big Tex Boot Design Contest allows the State Fair of Texas to keep the iconic figure's look fresh and representative of the state's culture. Aaliyah McNeal's winning design, which features quintessential Texas imagery, will help ensure Big Tex remains a beloved and recognizable symbol for fairgoers in 2026 and beyond.