Illinois State Fair officials teamed up with Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday to unveil this year’s official butter cow sculpture created by Sarah Pratt.
The butter cone, one of the most beloved traditions at the state fair, is featured every summer.
This year, Pratt sculpted the cow with the fair’s “It’s showtime” theme in mind. Aiming to capture the magic of the fair through the eyes of a child, Pratt created a little girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone out of her wizard’s hat.
Pratt worked with her husband and twin daughters on the iconic creation.
“We enjoyed incorporating our family memories into new ones for this year’s fairgoers,” Pratt said.
Governor Pritzker was in Springfield for the grand unveiling today.
“The butter cow is something we’re proud to celebrate every summer when we gather here in Springfield, and this year’s family project exemplifies what the fair stands for,” Pritzker said.
The governor went on to call the butter cow Illinois’ own “local celebrity.”
As in previous years, the 13 hearts hidden between the cow and the little girl represent the 13 essential nutrients found naturally in milk.
The butter cow sculpture will remain throughout the fair, running through August 18 in Springfield.