The State Fair of Texas' biggest fan will stand especially tall this year, when Big Tex pays tribute to the five police officers killed in the July 7 ambush.
The fair's mascot undergoes a wardrobe change every few years, and when the 2016 season begins this month, the cowboy's shirt will feature a blue ribbon and badge.
"It's just a small token of appreciation for the lives we lost and their families." said Karissa Condoianis, vice president of public relations for the fair. "We work closely with Dallas PD and DART officers who keep us safe."
She said the fair has other plans to honor the Dallas police force, but details of that tribute remain under wraps.
This is the third shirt and second pair of jeans worn by Big Tex since 2013, when the 55-foot cowboy was rebuilt it was destroyed in an electrical fire in 2012.
The 2016 edition of the fair begins on Sept. 30 at Fair Park in Dallas.
By Geoffrey Short
