The iconic Iowa State Fair butter cow will share its cooler with some beloved animated characters celebrating their 30th anniversary.
Butter sculptor Sarah Pratt and her apprentices Hannah and Grace will sculpt a few characters from “Toy Story” set in the backdrop of character Andy’s room, according to a news release.
“Plus, if you look closely, you might find a few hidden Fair gems,” the news release said.
Last year, the trio opted to honor some late-night comedians with Iowa ties. Late-night host Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, and had his place in the display. Jimmy Fallon and Steve Higgins, a Des Moines native who serves as the announcer and producer of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” rode on a Sky Glider seat together. The Sky Glider turned 50 last year.
The butter cow has been a tradition at the Iowa State Fair since 1911. Pratt became the fair’s fifth butter sculptor in 2006, having apprenticed for 15 years under the legendary Duffy Lyon. Pratt has sculpted countless figures, characters and icons over the years.
Her twin daughters were brought on as apprentices a few years ago.
The fair runs from Aug. 7-17. The butter cow can be found in the Ag Building.
Butter cow goes on the road after the fair
After the fair, a replica of the butter cow will be on display at the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., as part of a year-long exhibit called “State Fairs: Growing American Craft.” The butter cow display, sculpted by Pratt and her daughters, will be open to the public from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2026.
Find information on the whole display at https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/state-fairs.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair announces butter cow companions. Who will join the iconic bovine in 2025?
Reporting by Des Moines Register staff / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
