Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair’s Agriculture Building once again featured its most recognizable exhibit: the life‑size butter cow. This year, sculptor Sarah Pratt commemorated 20 years of creating the buttery masterpiece, a milestone that highlights both the fair’s long‑standing traditions and the families who help sustain them.
Two decades of dedication
Pratt, who began sculpting the butter cow in 2006, said the project typically requires about 80 hours of work, though the exact time can vary from year to year. “It is a huge honor. It is one of my favorite exhibits,” she told fair officials. “My kids have grown up being part of it, and it’s just a huge honor being a part of this lovely tradition.”
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday
This year’s sculpture was inspired by the United States’ 250th anniversary. Pratt incorporated subtle design elements that reflect the nation’s history while still honoring the countless volunteers, vendors, and agricultural families who make the fair possible each August.
A new butter centerpiece
In addition to the classic cow, the cooler this season featured a butter replica of the iconic Pepsi Clock, a nod to the fair’s famous Grand Concourse landmark. The clock spins just like the original, offering visitors a whimsical reminder of the fair’s blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Family and community roots
Pratt’s own family has been intertwined with the fair for generations. Her children have grown up watching the sculpting process and now assist with various fair duties. The butter cow, like many fair attractions, serves as a gathering point for families, reinforcing the community’s shared values of hard work, creativity, and celebration of the agricultural way of life.
Looking ahead
As the fair continues to evolve, Pratt remains committed to preserving the butter cow’s legacy while exploring new artistic possibilities. Her dedication underscores the broader importance of local traditions that connect residents to their heritage and to one another.
The Iowa State Fair runs through August 22, offering a full slate of agricultural exhibits, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Agriculture Building to see the butter cow up close and to experience the craftsmanship that has become a beloved part of Iowa’s cultural landscape.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
