Big Tex, a 52-foot cowboy, is a regular at the State Fair of Texas. (Sidney Hollingsworth/The Daily Campus)

Standing tall in a 75-gallon hat, Big Tex is back for his 60th year at the annual State Fair of Texas. This year’s theme – Big & Bright!

The 52-foot cowboy will be welcoming fair-goers this Friday at the historic Fair Park in Dallas.

With exciting rides, unique foods and several new attractions, the fair will showcase a variety of entertainment.

A tradition since 2005, unique award winning fried food is one of the main attractions at the fair. This year’s Big Tex Choice Award winners – Fried Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and Deep-Fried Jambalaya.

Finalists of the contest include dishes such as Chicken Fried Cactus Bites and Deep-Fried Divine Chocolate Tres Leches Cake.

The Girl Scouts of America organization will also be celebrating its 100 year anniversary at the State Fair this year. As part of the exhibit, The Girl Scouts will be featuring a Fried Samoa Girl Scouts cookie.

If the fried food alone isn’t enough to attract visitors, there are several other forms of entertainment.

Several concerts will be held at the Chevrolet Main Stage, along with museums, tours, celebrity chef demonstrations, animal adventures, auto shows and more.

One of the newest attractions, the Chinese Lantern Festival, will showcase remarkable illuminated art displays on the Leonhardt Lagoon.

Other traditional attractions such as the Illumination Sensation will mix lights, music and fireworks along a 700-foot-pool of water.

For music fans, the Chevrolet Main Stage will feature several artists and live bands each week. Some of the performers include Kevin Fowler, Uncle Kracker, Elle Varner, and Kellie Pickler.

With arts, entertainment, rides and food, the State Fair of Texas, in its 126th year, is expected to attract several millions this year.

Fair officials said last year was one of the most successful years in the event’s history.

The State Fair of Texas runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21