Like last year, the Illinois State Fair Butter Cow will have a visitor in its case.
Inspired by the 2025 State Fair's theme "Adventure Awaits," a young person peering through a set of binoculars and holding a walking stick joins the iconic symbol.
Gov. JB Pritzker, First Lady MK Pritzker, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II and Fair Director Rebecca Clark helped unveil the bovine and its companion at the Dairy Building on Aug. 6.
More: What's new at the 2025 Illinois State Fair? We have you covered
The State Fair opens Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 17.
Last year's special guest was a little girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone out of her magician’s hat.
This is the ninth 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.
"Every year, she outdoes herself," Gov. Pritzker said of Pratt.
Kendra Anderson, manager of farmer relations at Midwest Dairy, said the companion "adds another layer of creativity and storytelling to this iconic tradition."
Like in years past, 13 hearts have been hidden between the two displays to signify the 13 essential nutrients found naturally in milk.
While Pratt creates the Butter Cow for the Iowa State Fair, state fairs in Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin also have butter sculptures of some type.
New to the Dairy Building is the Cozy Cow Lounge where visitors can explore how Illinois dairy farmers prioritize cow care.
The Dairy Building also showcases prize-winning milks, cheeses, ice creams and other various dairy products.
The cow and its guest rotate inside a refrigerated display case over the course of the fair.
The Butter Cow debuted in Springfield in 1922.
The Twilight Parade steps off from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 7. The parade travels onto Sangamon Avenue and enters the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, it proceeds down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue.
Members of the Springfield ABC Club will serve as grand marshals.
Among the opening-day attractions are harness racing in the Grandstand and a free show by Everclear ("Santa Monica," "I Will Buy You A New Life") at the Grand Central Stage at the south end of the Reisch Pavillion.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; [email protected]; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Governor Pritzker helps unveil Butter Cow as lead up to State Fair
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