Sarah Pratt Is WInning Sculptor: Illinois State Fair Unveils Route 66 Butter Cow

Illinois State Fair celebrates Route 66, dairy industry with 2026 Butter Cow

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The unofficial icon of the Illinois State Fair was unveiled on Wednesday — and this year’s “udderly” fantastic Butter Cow celebrates th…

Illinois State Fair’s 2026 Butter Cow honors Route 66’s 100th anniversary

The Illinois State Fair opens Thursday and runs through Aug. 23 with various food and beer kiosks, booths and tents, carnival rides, livestock showings and live music.

Sarah Pratt Is WInning Sculptor: Illinois State Fair Unveils Route 66 Butter Cow

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the 2026 Butter Cow in the Dairy Building today. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, this year's butter sculpture invites fairgoers to "Take a Spin on Route 66," highlighting the historic Mother Road.While the iconic Butter Cow remains the centerpiece of the display, this year's companion sculpture features a woman and her dog heading out on a Route 66 a…

Illinois State Fair Butter Cow plays on Route 66 themes

For the 10th time, the Butter Cow was sculpted by Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines, Iowa. This year's cow pays homage to Route 66.

2026 Butter Cow: ‘Miles of Smiles’ Is State Fair’s Theme in Celebration of Route 66

<span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">2026 Butter Cow: ‘Miles of Smiles’ Is State Fair’s Theme in Celebration of Route 66</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Jerry Nowicki …</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-08-12T17:54:19-05:00" title="Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 1…

The Smithsonian needed a butter cow. Iowa's Sarah Pratt got the call.

Meet the Iowa woman behind the new definitive butter cow.