In the heart of Michigan, the long-standing tradition of the iconic butter cow display is set to the stage to welcome folks from all around for the annual State Fair! As Labor Day weekend approaches, the State Fair, a beloved in-state tradition dating back to 1849, is bustling with activity at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The butter cow exhibit draws an impressive crowd each year, with this year’s display featuring an adorable buttery family: a cow named Mel, Margie the dog, Punchy the goat, and Jojo the calf. Crafted with an astounding quarter ton of butter, the creation of these dairy-based sculptures is an intensive process, requiring four sculptors and a total of 250 man-hours over five days.
The history of this fantastic display traces back to 1940 when the butter cow first made its appearance at the fair. After the rationing period of World War II, the butter cow stood as a symbol that dairy products such as butter were making a comeback. It has since become an iconic part of the annual fair, continually drawing in visitors who seek a first-hand experience of this classic tradition.
The butter sculptures pay tribute to Michigan’s thriving dairy industry, acknowledged as the 6th largest producer of milk in the country. This industry grinds out over 11 billion pounds of milk annually!
Rachel Wolski, one of the dedicated sculptors, enthusiastically highlights the effort and precision put into bringing the butter family to life. Despite the challenges of working in a refrigerated 40-degree environment, her passion for her work is evident. “It’s like clay, basically,” Wolski regales about working with the softened butter blocks, visibly proud of her creations.
But that’s not all. Alongside the beloved butter display, the State Fair offers much more for visitors to enjoy. From pig races to logging demonstrations to tunes from singer-songwriter Mckayla Prew, there’s something for everybody. And don’t worry about wastage, the butter, post-festival, makes a great feed for the animals on the farm!
The Michigan State Fair continues until Monday. Don’t miss out on this remarkable showcase of Michigan’s rich culture, delicious dairy, and vibrant life!
