SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — You herd it right: The unofficial icon of the Illinois State Fair was unveiled on Wednesday.
Governor JB Pritzker, along with Illinois State Fair officials, gathered at the fairground’s Dairy Building to unveil the 2025 Butter Cow.
The sculpture is completed in approximately five days, utilizing 500 pounds of unsalted butter. Pritzker explained that the design was influenced by the fair’s theme: adventure awaits. This year’s accompanying sculpture features an adventurer.
This is the 104th butter cow at the State Fair and the ninth consecutive butter cow designed and sculpted by Sarah Pratt.
“We’re unveiling it at a time when it’s clear how important it is for people to enjoy themselves this summer, and it’s a fantastic way to start our summer state fair,” Pritzker remarked at a news conference before the butter cow was revealed. “Illinois is undeniably an agricultural powerhouse. We truly are, and we also have a vibrant artistic spirit. The revealing of the butter cow symbolizes both of these aspects.”
The 2025 Illinois State Fair begins on Aug. 7 and continues until Aug. 17 in Springfield. The butter cow is displayed on the fairgrounds in the Dairy Building.
Joining Pritzker in the welcome for this year’s butter cow were First Lady MK Pritzker, Jerry Costello II, IDOA Director, Rebecca Clark, State Fair Manager, and Johnna Fulcher, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.
