Butter Cow Takes Center Stage at 2024 Illinois State Fair
The much-anticipated Butter Cow was unveiled on Wednesday (8/7) in the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
A Magical Dairy Delight
This year’s sculpture, created by renowned artist Sarah Pratt, embodies the fair’s 2024 theme, “It’s Showtime!” and invites visitors to experience the fair through the "whimsical lens of childhood wonder."
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According to the press release from The Illinois State Fair, this is the first time ever the Butter Cow is joined by a charming new feature—a young girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone from a magician’s hat.
Pratt, whose family has been deeply involved in this year's creation, shared that the inspiration came from a nostalgic family song.
As we worked together on the sculptures, our family fondly recalled a song we used to sing, ‘How many scoops do you want on your cone?' when the girls were young. We enjoyed incorporating our family memories into new ones for this year’s fair visitors. -Sarah Pratt, 2024 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow Sculptor
Governor Pritzker expressed pride in the Butter Cow's role as a central symbol of the Illinois State Fair. “This year’s family project exemplifies what the fair stands for,” he said, highlighting the event's function as a gathering place for Illinoisans to celebrate local talent and traditions.
A Cool Twist on a Classic That Celebrates Dairy and Tradition
Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, noted that while the Butter Cow remains a beloved constant, each year the update the creative process while still keeping the tradition. The addition of the ice cream cone is a nod to those who enjoy sweet treats while visiting the Dairy Building at the Illinois State Fair.
Fair guests are invited to enjoy the new 'Cow Cow Lounge' when visiting the Diary Building to celebrate Illinois' Dairy industry.
The Butter Cow sculpture will be on display throughout the fair, continuing the tradition of hiding 13 hearts within the display to symbolize the essential nutrients in milk.
The Illinois State Fair runs August 8 through 18 in Springfield and you can find out more about tickets and entertainment by clicking HERE.
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Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet