While Big Tex turns 60 this year, he doesn't look a day older since his State Fair of Texas debut in 1962 after a short stint as Santa Claus.

At 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, Big Tex hiked up his Dickies jeans and stood tall in his Western shirt as crews hoisted him to his pedastal in Fair Park. Raising Big Tex kicks off the opening week of previews for the State Fair, which culminates on Friday with a 60th birthday toast to the man under the 70-gallon hat himself. 

Opening Day events include:

Heritage Hall of Honor Brunch, Adolphus Hotel, 9:30 a.m.

Gates open, Fair Park, 10 a.m.

Opening Day Parade, downtown Dallas, noon (for a map of the parade route, click here)

State Fair Fall Garden Exhibition and Landscape Award Ceremony, Big Tex Circle, 2 p.m.

Opening Ceremony, Hall of State steps, 7 p.m.

This year's State Fair runs from Friday, Sept. 28, until Oct. 10 at Dallas' historic Fair Park. For a complete schedule of events, visit BigTex.com.