What Happens To The Butter Cow After The Fair

So, there I was, munching on a funnel cake at the Iowa State Fair, when I turned to my buddy and said, "You know, I've been wondering, what happens to the Butter Cow after the fair?" I mean, it's not like she can just melt into a summer's day like the ice cream I was trying to keep from dripping onto my shoes.

If you're not familiar, the Butter Cow is a fair tradition that's been around since 1911. She's made from a whopping 600 pounds of butter, sculpted into a life-sized cow by an artist who's been doing it for over 20 years now. She's a local celebrity, and she deserves to know what happens to her after the fair lights dim and the last corn dog is sold.

Butter Cow's Summer Vacation

Alright, so here's the deal. After the fair, our butter beauty doesn't just evaporate into a puddle of grease. No, she's got a summer vacation planned. The Iowa State Fairgrounds are closed for a few months, and during that time, the Butter Cow takes a little trip to the Iowa State Historical Museum in Des Moines.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why would they move her? Can't they just leave her in the cool air-conditioned fairgrounds?" Well, here's the thing. The fairgrounds aren't air-conditioned, and the butter cow needs to be kept at a chilly 38 degrees Fahrenheit to keep her from turning into a melted mess. So, she gets to enjoy a few months in a climate-controlled museum, where she can rest her butter hooves and prepare for her next big appearance.

Back to the Grind

After her summer vacation, it's back to work for our dairy diva. She returns to the fairgrounds in time for the annual Fairgrounds Art Show, where she greets visitors and poses for selfies. But let's be real, she's probably thinking, "I just got back from vacation, and already I'm working again?"

But she's a professional, and she knows her fans are waiting. So, she puts on her best butter smile and gets ready for the main event - the Iowa State Fair. And the cycle begins again.

The Great Melt

Now, you might be wondering, "What happens to the Butter Cow when she's finally ready to retire?" Well, my friend, that's where things get a little... messy. After the fair, the Butter Cow is melted down. Yes, you read that right. All 600 pounds of her are sent to a local renderer, where she's turned into tallow, a type of animal fat used in soap and candles.

It's not the most glamorous end for a fair icon, but it's a fitting tribute to her role as a symbol of agriculture and sustainability. After all, she's made from the very stuff that fuels the Iowa farming industry. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be washing your hands with a bar of soap that was once our beloved Butter Cow. Now that's a story to tell at the fair.

So there you have it, folks. The life and times of the Butter Cow, from summer vacation to the great melt. It's a tough life, but someone's got to do it. And who better than a 600-pound butter sculpture? Until next time, fair lovers!