Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Consisting of 800 pounds of recycled butter, the Illinois State Fair butter cow is inspired by this year’s fair theme “It’s Showtime!” The cow sculpture is accompanied by a little girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone out of a magician’s hat.
Artist Sarah Pratt, with some help from her husband and 20-year-old twin daughters Hanna and Grace, said her family fondly recalled a song with the lyrics “How many scoops do you want on your cone?” as they were working on the sculpture.
Gov. JB Pritzker along with First Lady MK had the honor of unveiling this year’s masterpiece on Wednesday. “The butter cow is something we are proud to celebrate every summer as we gather here in Springfield, and this year’s family project exemplifies what the fair stands for,” said Pritzker.
“The little girl with the towering ice cream cone is the perfect reminder to grab a cool treat while you’re in the Dairy Building,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.
The butter cow will be on display in the Dairy Building for the duration of the fair, which runs Aug. 8 – 18.
