Texans love our fair icon - and now the spotlight is moving east. A pair of Big Tex’s size-96 Lucchese boots has hit the road, bound for Washington, D.C., where they'll be showcased in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s upcoming exhibit, “State Fairs: Growing American Craft,” opening August 22, 2025.
These boots haven’t left the Lone Star State since the early 1950s - making this only the second time in history they’ve traveled outside Texas.
The trip from Fair Park began July 28, with the boots set to arrive on August 1, giving them time to be carefully installed for the year-long exhibit running through September 7, 2026.
A Tall Tale of Texas Tradition
Standing over 12 feet tall, these cowboy boots are part of Big Tex’s ensemble, originally crafted in 2012. Though this pair is considered a trusty early edition, Big Tex will still be fully dressed in a newer set at this year’s Texas State Fair, which runs September 26 to October 19.
Designed and hand-crafted by Lucchese Bootmaker, the boots now serve as a walking - well, more like standing - tribute to Texas pride and the deep cultural roots of state fairs.
What This Means for KRLD Listeners
This exhibit offers Texans a chance to see a piece of home on a national stage. It’s also a nod to how state fairs across America help preserve local craft traditions - Texas is stepping center stage. And don’t worry: Big Tex will be back on his feet in Dallas before fair season starts this fall.
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