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Texas State Fair Icon "Big Tex" Erupts in Flames

Photo credit: LM Otero/AP Source

Dallas, TX, USA (October 19, 2012) — Greg Janda of NBC 5 Dallas-Ft Worth reports on this morning’s fire which destroyed the Texas icon:

“Stunned attendees at the State Fair of Texas witnessed the iconic Big Tex go up in flames Friday morning.


“Some fabric that made up the towering structure’s hand and sleeves could still be seen as firefighters gathered around the scorched area.
“Big Tex’s 75-gallon hat, 50-pound belt buckle and slow drawl — “Howdy, folks!” — have been greeting fair visitors since 1952. This year’s fair, which closes Sunday, had been celebrating Big Tex’s 60th birthday.
‘It’s a great loss for us because of its icon stature,’ fair spokeswoman Sue Gooding said.

“Gooding said she didn’t know the cause of the fire but did note electrical controls move Big Tex’s mouth and head. Gooding noted that no one was injured in the fire and added that she expects him to be back for next year’s state fair.

“‘He’ll be back, bigger and better than ever,’ she said.”

FULL STORY HERE

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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