“Big Tex” Firestorm Erases Long Standing Icon at Texas State Fair [VIDEO]

He was the cowboy standing 52 feet tall greeting people at the State Fair of Texas with a big "howdy".  Last Friday night was his final appearance.

On his 60th birthday, "Big Tex" was overtaken by fire around 10:30 a.m.  While not confirmed, officials have cited an electrical issue as the possible source of the fire.

With only his arms, belt and skeleton remaining intact, Dallas Mayor, Michael Rawlings said that "Big Tex" would be rebuilt, and in place at next year's fair.

"Big Tex" was originally dressed up as a very tall Santa Claus in the 1940s, but was transformed for good into the gigantic cowboy beacon in 1952.