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Big Tex shows he’s Dallas Strong

Big Tex is getting some clothes for this year's State Fair of Texas. His new wardrobe, provided by Fort Worth-based Dickies, the official outfitter of Big Tex and the State Fair of Texas, were revealed Friday, September 9, 2016, spread out across the field of the Cotton Bowl. Dallas Police and DART officers who were killed in the line of duty on July 7 are honored on the new outfit.
Big Tex is getting some clothes for this year's State Fair of Texas. His new wardrobe, provided by Fort Worth-based Dickies, the official outfitter of Big Tex and the State Fair of Texas, were revealed Friday, September 9, 2016, spread out across the field of the Cotton Bowl. Dallas Police and DART officers who were killed in the line of duty on July 7 are honored on the new outfit. jlmarshall@star-telegram.com

New additions to the State Fair of Texas include Cookie Fries, Fried Jell-O and the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales, but Big Tex has the most significant change.

Big Tex wears a new shirt with a commemorative patch to honor the Dallas police and DART officers killed by a gunman on July 7.

The blue ribbon invokes a moment of respect and reflection, one fairgoers should give as they gander at the 55-foot-tall friendly Texan.

The patch, a simple yet powerful symbol, shows that the State Fair is Dallas Strong.

Along with Big Tex’s ribbon, the state fair will honor public servants with a “First Responders Day.”

First responders will get free admission Oct. 14, plus free tickets for up to three family members.

“Honoring these brave men and women with a special day at the State Fair of Texas is the least we can do to say thank you for the sacrifices they make for our communities,” State Fair President Mitchell Glieber said in a news release.

The State Fair wants to show respect for first responders, something needed and welcomed in this tumultuous time.

This story was originally published September 28, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Big Tex shows he’s Dallas Strong."

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