SPRINGFIELD, IL — Incorporating themes from Route 66, the 2026 version of the Illinois State Fair Butter Cow was unveiled by Gov. JB Pritzker at the Dairy Building Aug. 12, 2026.
For the third year in a row, the Butter Cow has a companion in the glass-enclosed case that will be on display for the fair’s run Aug. 13-23.
This year’s companion sculpture features a woman and her dog heading out on a Route 66 adventure aboard a classic scooter in search of ice cream.
The butter sculpture invites fairgoers to “Take a Spin on Route 66,” highlighting the historic route which runs through Springfield. The Illinois State Fairgrounds is the only one in the U.S. that sits on the Mother Road.
Route 66 will serve as the honorary grand marshal for the parade. Classic cars will lead the parade as a symbol of the iconic “Mother Road,” which marks its centennial this year.
First Lady MK Pritzker, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II and Rebecca Clark, State Fair Manager, helped unveil the bovine and its companion.
Like in years past, 13 hearts have been hidden between the two displays to signify the 13 essential nutrients found naturally in milk.
This is the 10th rendition for Sarah (Doyle) Pratt of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Pratt sculpted the 800-pound cow out of recycled and unsalted butter, which is then slathered over a frame of wire and wood.
The Butter Cow debuted in Springfield in 1922.
Pratt said in a press release that as she explored the history of Route 66, “I was drawn to the many iconic ice cream stops that became part of the journey for generations of travelers. That made ice cream a natural feature of this year’s sculpture.
“We hope fairgoers enjoy the whimsy of the display, share memories of their own Route 66 adventures and remember the important role dairy has played in so many of those journeys.”
The Twilight Parade steps off from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. The parade travels onto Sangamon Avenue and enters the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, the parade marches down Main Street, turns left onto Illinois Avenue, and then marches down Grandstand Avenue to exit through Lot 21.
Just before that, the 35th annual Twilight Parade Run covering a two-mile course, kicks off. It is put on by the Springfield Road Runners Club.
Among the opening-day attractions are harness racing in the Grandstand and a free show by Casey Donahew (“Kiss Me,” “Country Song”) at the Grand Central Stage at the south end of the Reisch Pavilion.
(This story will be updated.)
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois State Fair Butter Cow plays on Route 66 themes
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
