We all remember the day, October 19, 2012. It was in the morning.

Where were you, what were you doing, and how did it make you feel when you first heard that Big Tex Was On Fire?

I was at home, probably working on music, and I had the television on quietly. I looked up, and Oh NO! I was on the phone spreading the news like wildfire.

It hurt watching an old-friend-fry.

Seeing him taken away in a body bad was truly painful.

...and you?

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I was at home

I was disappearing my lighter fluid and lighter.

I have no ideal of what the pictures are about. On 10/19/12 I was most likely home or working.

If only he had been programmed to stop drop and roll. RIP.

Working, in my boss's office with three other people, on a conference call with our Long Beach, CA office.
Just happened to refresh the DMN website and saw the headline. Then I turned my hand held scanner on.
I was so shocked I blurted out 'Oh No.' Some one asked what was wrong and I said 'Big Tex is on fire.' The people in our office suddenly were all trying to get updates but the folks in Long Beach were going 'What the hell are you talking about.'

Destruction and Recreation:

On the morning of October 19, 2012 (the final weekend of the 2012 State Fair of Texas, and on Big Tex's 60th birthday) a fire started inside the framework of Big Tex. The figure's clothing, face and hat were completely destroyed in minutes as onlookers watched. An official investigation determined that the fire started in an electrical panel (fixed wiring) under the attraction's right boot. This panel was believed to have powered the air compressor that kept the clothing of the statue 'inflated'.[19]

News of the fire received national attention, and fair officials committed to rebuilding Big Tex "bigger and better" in time for the 2013 fair.

Working under secrecy, a new Big Tex was created during 2013 by SRO Associates and Texas Scenic Co. at a cost of $500,000.[1] The recreated statue weighs 19,000 pounds (8,618.3 kg) more than the previous version, bringing him to 25,000 pounds (11,339.8 kg). This allows Big Tex to withstand 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) winds without needing support wires as in previous versions. The height was increased by 1 yard (91.4 cm) to 55 feet (16.8 m) tall.[20] Big Tex Circle, the location during the State Fair of Texas, was also enlarged and reinforced for the larger statue.

The beginning of the New Big Tex!

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Best Halloween costume that year.

I'm sorry but I do not remember where I was on the very memorable day.

Yes you do PGR, you are just being difficult.
It's the OT way.

...wisdom

working.

That guy looks like Derek.

I thought it was hilarious. This guy is supposed to be Superman or the like, and he is on fire! Thought at first it was the work of a demented Aggie.

There were some epic memes from that.

honestly...I never knew that happened.

how did it start?