If you’ve ever looked at Big Tex and thought, “I could design better boots than that,” now’s your moment.
The State Fair of Texas is officially inviting artists, designers, and creative Texans of all ages to submit ideas for Big Tex’s next pair of iconic boots, and the deadline to enter is February 6, 2026.
The contest gives participants the chance to design the massive size 96 Lucchese boots Big Tex will actually wear during the 2026 State Fair of Texas. The winning design won’t just live on pape, it will be turned into the real boots and displayed on Big Tex throughout the fair and beyond.
To enter, contestants must download the official boot design template from the State Fair of Texas website and submit an original design using the provided outlines. Designs can be hand-drawn, painted, or illustrated, but must follow specific rules, including using the required Lucchese logo placement and leaving certain parts of the boot unchanged. Finished designs must be mailed in and postmarked by February 6 to be eligible.
The stakes are very Texas. The winning artist will see their design come to life on one of the most recognizable symbols of the State Fair, receive major recognition, and score a pair of Lucchese boots valued at nearly $900. The new boots will be worn by Big Tex for the 2026 fair season and are expected to remain part of his look for at least three years.
The State Fair of Texas plans to announce the winning design on March 2, 2026, giving one creative Texan bragging rights and a permanent place in State Fair history.
Full contest rules, templates, and entry details are available now at bigtex.com.
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