Illinois State Fair
More than 630,000 fairgoers will have the opportunity to experience dairy in new, fun ways during the Illinois State Fair! In the Dairy Building, interactive exhibits show attendees how dairy farmers care for their cows, communities, and the planet. As they wind their way through the building, they’ll discover this year’s Butter Cow, an unofficial icon of the fair since the 1920s. Finally, before leaving to find their next fair adventures, attendees will visit the Dairy Goodness Bar to enjoy the newest Flavor of the Fair, award-winning cream puffs, and more.
The Butter Cow, commissioned by Midwest Dairy, dates back to the 1920s. Fairgoers look forward to a new design every year.
Creating the life-size figure by hand takes about five days. The Butter Cow starts with a wood, metal, wire, and steel mesh frame and about 600 pounds of low-moisture, pure cream Illinois butter. Once inside the 40-degree cooler, layers of butter are applied until a life-size butter cow emerges, measuring about 6 feet long and 5 feet tall. Each year, much of the butter is recycled and can be reused for up to 10 years.
Meet the Artist
Sculptor Sara Pratt is the creative mind behind every year’s creation. “It is a privilege to honor Illinois farm families by sculpting the famous butter cow each year,” Pratt said. “Family is at the heart of Illinois farms, and to be able to honor that while working alongside my 19-year-old daughter, passing down this tradition to her is precious,” Pratt said.