Gov. JB Pritzker and wife MK unveil the 2025 Illinois State Fair butter cow on Wednesday, Aug. 6, in Springfield. | Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki
By Jerry Nowicki | Capitol News Illinois
State officials ushered in the start of the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday with the annual unveiling of the butter cow.
The sculpture is made of 800 pounds of unsalted butter spread across a wire frame. This year’s iteration depicts a cow accompanied by an “adventurer seeking hidden treasure across the fairgrounds.” The theme for this year’s fair is “Adventure Awaits.”
“Indeed, this year will be chock full of adventures and treasures for the entire family. Music and entertainment, food and drinks, rides and contests, exhibits and displays, concerts. There will be an opportunity for everyone to experience, to learn, to grow, and we’re again proud to be able to present that not just to Illinoisans who come here to Springfield to enjoy themselves, but also to people who come from around the country, to see what Illinois has to offer,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.
The butter is “recycled,” meaning it is reused each year, rather than discarded. It was sculpted once again by Iowan Sarah Pratt.
The cow – the 104th in state history – will remain on display in the Dairy Building throughout the fair. Gates will officially open at 7 a.m. Thursday, with the annual Twilight Parade scheduled for 5: 30 p.m. later that day. The fair runs through Aug. 17 from 7 a.m. until midnight each day.
More here.
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