A Dallas native was chosen out of more than 400 entries to win the 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest.
Big Tex will be sporting some new boots at the State Fair of Texas this fall, and now we know who gets to help design them. This year's winner is Aaliyah McNeal, who grew up around the corner from Fair Park and attended the fair every year growing up.
McNeal is 31 years old now and currently lives in Suwanee, Georgia. She says her design is just as symbolic as it is fashionable, blending the classic Texas icons you know and love with meaningful elements that pay homage to the fair itself.“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,” said McNeal.The Big Tex Boot Design Contest gave fairgoers the chance to design the biggest, most iconic pair of boots in the Lone Star State. Receiving nearly 450 entries, competing artists ranged in age, with Fair fans from coast to coast submitting their best illustrations, hoping to earn a finalist spot. A panel of judges then narrowed the pool of nearly 450 unique designs down to just five finalists. Each finalist was judged by the State Fair and Lucchese based on the creativity of the design, representation of Texas pride, and design for Big Tex. “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,” said Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement.McNeal will now get the chance to work with the State Fair of Texas and Lucchese Bootmaker to put the finishing touches on her design. “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,” says Doug Kindy, President of Lucchese.And you can see Big Tex's size 96 boots up close and in person when the State Fair of Texas opens on September 25. It runs through October 18.
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