Update 5:55 p.m.: State Fair of Texas organizers had long been concerned about weather conditions and how that might impact Big Tex's debut. While Big Tex has been built to withstand hurricane-force winds, the curtain that shielded him from public view was causing problems. Fair officials didn't want to risk any issues with their new cowboy.
1:46 p.m. The Big Tex boots, sponsored by Lucchese, include the Texas flag, bluebonnets and Texas State Capitol. These are intricate, fancy boots.
1:39 p.m. Big Tex has made his debut -- a patriotic outfit with a mostly-white shirt. The curtain was dropped minutes ago.
Update, 1:32 p.m.: Big Tex is going to be unveiled early -- within the next hour. Strong winds are causing problems with the curtain that surrounds him. A 2 p.m. ceremony is still planned for Friday at the State Fair of Texas.
The Dallas Morning Newshas exclusive pictures of Big Tex being installed last night. KTVT captured some footage of Big Tex's head from a helicopter over Fair Park.
Our original post: Big Tex was installed under the cover of darkness overnight. He's up at Big Tex Circle, hiding behind a massive curtain. He'll be unveiled at 2 p.m. Friday, opening day of the 2013 State Fair of Texas.
Fair officials wanted to avoid media coverage of Big Tex's installation, so they chose to put him up overnight. Installation wrapped up around 8 a.m.
In other Big Tex news, a State Fair historical exhibit that looks back at 60 years of Big Tex will be open at the Hall of State starting Friday. It will be open throughout the fair. The exhibit includes lots of historical photos of the big guy through the years.
State Fair officials have a press conference at 10 a.m. to discuss the historical exhibit.
