Big Tex will get a new pair of boots for the 2026 State Fair of Texas, thanks to a design from Dallas native Aaliyah McNeal. (elrod/Shutterstock).
The winner of the State Fair of Texas’s 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest was recently announced as Dallas native Aaliyah McNeal.
It’s official: Dallas native Aaliyah McNeal is the winner of the State Fair of Texas’s 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest! Judges sorted through over 400 entries to select their winner from an eclectic group of artists. The contest was open to all ages and requested unique designs for Big Tex’s iconic boots for the upcoming celebration this Fall. Five finalists were judged by State Fair of Texas officials, as well as Lucchese, who will be working with McNeal to bring her design to life. The 31-year-old is based in Georgia now, but she grew up close to Fair Park and always attended the celebration year after year.
The Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement for the State Fair of Texas, Jennifer Schuder, wrote in a press release, “The response to this year’s Big Tex Boot Design Contest was incredible, and we’re grateful to every Fair fan who shared their creativity with us. As the Most Texan Place on Earth, we are thrilled to work with Aaliyah McNeal and Lucchese on these boots for Big Tex that celebrate so many beloved symbols of the Lone Star State and the timeless cowboy spirit.” Celebrating those iconic Texas elements was at the forefront of McNeal’s mind when she set out to sketch her design.
When explaining her thought process behind what she wanted to include, McNeal said, “Key Texas symbols come together to create the embellishments at the heart of my design. From a distance, sweeping patterns mimic the rich textures of genuine leather, accented by pops of red and blue in honor of the Texas flag. Up close, you’re met with Texas-sized icons that immediately draw the eye, including a longhorn, bluebonnets, pecan trees, prickly pears, and even the iconic 212-foot-tall Texas Star Ferris Wheel.”
Want to take a sneak peek at what those boots will look like? Click here to check out McNeal’s design while you count down the days until you can lay your eyes on Big Tex in person.
You’ll be able to see the boots for yourself this September
Now that she’s been selected as the winner, Aaliyah McNeal will work directly with Lucchese Bootmaker to turn her design into a real pair of size 96 boots for Big Tex. The President of Lucchese, Doug Kindy, said, “It was an honor to have Lucchese employees help select this design, as Aaliyah McNeal’s concept reflects symbols that generations of Texans recognize and respect. As a Texas-born brand, we’re always inspired by designs that celebrate the culture and identity of Texas. We’re proud to partner with the State Fair of Texas to transform her vision into a handcrafted pair of boots.”
When the State Fair of Texas opens on September 25, 2026, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of their hard work and dedication for yourself. The fair, which runs until October 18, is a local staple and the source of much excitement every year. Now, there’s one more reason to look forward to the big celebration!
