Michael Jackson tribute in butter at state fair

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DES MOINES — The world-famous Iowa State Fair butter cow will share the spotlight this year with a salute to the late Michael Jackson. Both pieces will be on display in the Agriculture Building’s 40-degree cooler throughout the fair, scheduled for Aug. 13-23.

Butter sculptor Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines plans to honor Jackson’s extensive contributions to the music and dance industries through a butter sculpture of the pop icon. This year’s butter bovine will be a jersey cow.

Michael Jackson danced onto the Iowa State Fair Grandstand stage on Aug. 29, 1971, as a member of the Jackson Five. Alongside his brothers, Jackson turned out two exceptional performances to the delight of 17,000 fair-going fans. Today, nearly four decades later, he is remembered as a pop-culture icon whose music reflected the passion and creativity of a new era. As the world mourns the loss of such a skilled and exceptional entertainer, the Iowa State Fair would like to celebrate the King of Pop and commemorate the ways his contributions have transformed American music and dance.

For more information about the Iowa State Fair, call (800) 545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.