Watch Big Tex Lay Down For His Long Winter Nap

As the days get shorter and the Texas heat finally gives us a break, there’s one sign that the season is officially winding down: Big Tex is about to take his long winter nap. You can scroll to the bottom of this article to watch the video.

X/Canva

Get our free mobile app

The towering cowboy who stands watch over the State Fair of Texas is set to hang up his boots for the year, and we’re all here for it.

Icon

If you’ve ever been to the fair, you know Big Tex. He’s the 55-foot-tall icon who greets you with a slow, booming "Howdy, folks!" and that slightly eerie, yet somehow comforting, robotic smile. But once the fried Oreos are eaten, the rides stop spinning, and the crowds disappear, even Big Tex needs a little R&R.

X/Canva

And can you blame him? Standing tall for weeks, in rain or shine, with thousands of people taking selfies with you—it’s a tough gig. This year, Big Tex seems ready to kick back and relax, just like the rest of us do when the holidays roll around. It’s like watching your favorite workaholic finally take that long-overdue vacation.

Symbolic

It’s almost symbolic, really. As Big Tex lays down for his winter break, it’s a reminder that even the biggest, toughest cowboy out there needs to rest. For the next few months, Big Tex will be out of sight, and all we’ll have are the memories of corny dogs, Ferris wheel rides, and oversized cowboy hats to tide us over.

X/Canva

But don’t worry, folks—come next fall, he’ll be back, bigger and better than ever. And who knows, maybe he’ll even have a new pair of boots to show off. Until then, it’s lights out for our giant cowboy friend. Enjoy that winter snooze, Big Tex, you’ve earned it.