Des Moines — This week the Iowa State Fair unveiled its classic butter cow sculpture, and longtime artist Sarah Pratt celebrated 20 years of shaping the creamy icon. The sculpture, displayed inside the Agriculture Building opposite the Iowa Pork Tent, required roughly 80 hours of work, a timeline that varies with each fair’s schedule.
Pratt said her inspiration for this year’s piece draws from America’s 250th birthday, while also paying tribute to the countless volunteers, farmers, and fair staff who make the event possible. “It is a huge honor. It is one of my favorite exhibits,” she said. “My kids have grown up being part of it, and it’s just a huge honor being a part of this lovely tradition.”
In addition to the butter cow, the cooler this year features a butter replica of the famous Pepsi Clock, a nod to the State Fair’s historic Grand Concourse landmark that spins just like the original.
The butter cow tradition began in 1911 and has become a staple of the fair’s cultural landscape, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. Pratt, who took over the role two decades ago, continues a lineage of artisans who blend agricultural pride with artistic skill, turning a block of butter into a recognizable symbol of Iowa’s heritage.
Family and community roots
Pratt highlighted how the sculpture connects generations of Iowans. Her own children have grown up watching the butter cow come to life, and she hopes the exhibit will inspire future families to appreciate the state’s farming legacy. The fair’s emphasis on family-friendly attractions aligns with the community’s values of tradition and togetherness.
Fair coverage and visitor information
Visitors can watch live coverage of the fair on KCCI 8 News at 4:30 p.m. each weekday from the MidAmerican Energy Stage. The station also streams its fair coverage for free through the Very Local app, allowing fans to stay connected even when they can’t be on the grounds.
As the Iowa State Fair continues to celebrate its agricultural roots, the butter cow remains a beloved reminder of the state’s dedication to family, faith, and the Constitution‑upheld right to gather and celebrate shared heritage.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
