Which Came First Big Tex Or The Corn Dog
When it comes to the State Fair of Texas, two iconic things come to mind: Big Tex and corn dogs. These two staples of the fair have been around for decades, but which one came first? Let's take a deep dive into the history of both Big Tex and the corn dog to find out.
Big Tex
Big Tex is the 55-foot-tall cowboy statue that stands tall at the State Fair of Texas. He was originally built in 1949 as a way to welcome people to the fair. Over the years, he has become a beloved symbol of the fair and a staple of Texas culture.
So, did Big Tex come first? The answer is yes. Big Tex was built in 1949, while the corn dog did not make its debut until 1942, several years later.
The Corn Dog
The corn dog is a popular food item at the State Fair of Texas, as well as many other fairs and festivals across the country. It is a hot dog on a stick that is coated in cornmeal batter and fried to a golden brown. The corn dog is said to have been invented in the 1940s by Neil Fletcher and his family. They were selling hot dogs at their restaurant on Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California when they came up with the idea to dip the hot dogs in cornmeal batter and fry them.
The corn dog made its debut at the Texas State Fair in 1942, when the Fletcher family set up a booth to sell their creation. The corn dog was an instant hit and has been a staple of the fair ever since. Today, over 500,000 corn dogs are sold at the State Fair of Texas each year.
The Relationship Between Big Tex and the Corn Dog
While Big Tex and the corn dog both have a special place in the hearts of fairgoers, they do not have a direct relationship. However, both Big Tex and the corn dog are a part of the rich history and tradition of the State Fair of Texas.
Today, the State Fair of Texas continues to draw in crowds from all over the country, eager to experience the unique culture and attractions that can only be found at the fair. Whether you're there for Big Tex, the corn dogs, or anything else the fair has to offer, one thing is for sure: the State Fair of Texas is an experience like no other.