COLUMBUS, Ohio — Butter sculptors are gearing up for another year of artistic mastery at the Ohio State Fair, where the annual tradition of crafting intricate sculptures from butter began on July 8, 2024.
The centerpiece of this year’s display, organized by the American Dairy Association Mideast, will feature sculptures including a butter cow, calf, and surprise creations. The sculpting process, known for its meticulous detail, begins ahead of the fair’s official opening on July 24 and continues until August 4, 2024.
Using wooden and steel frames to support the butter, sculptors carefully carve and layer slices from 55-pound blocks in a chilled 46-degree cooler to maintain shape and texture. Fine details are meticulously added during the sculpting process, showcasing the skill and creativity involved.
“This tradition celebrates Ohio’s rich dairy heritage and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually,” said a spokesperson from the American Dairy Association Mideast. Each year, a theme highlighting positive Ohio ideals is chosen, ensuring the sculptures remain non-political and non-controversial.
Previous displays have honored Ohio’s history of innovation, with past sculptures paying tribute to inventors like Thomas Edison, Garrett Morgan, Josephine Cochrane, and James Spangler.
The butter sculptures are housed in the Dairy Products Building at the Ohio Expo Center, where visitors can also indulge in Ohio-produced dairy foods such as ice cream, milkshakes, and cheese sandwiches. The event, sponsored by the American Dairy Association Mideast, supports Ohio’s dairy farmers.
For those planning to visit, the Dairy Products Building will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. throughout the fair. More information can be found at www.drink-milk.com, the official website of the American Dairy Association Mideast.