DES MOINES, Iowa — It wouldn't be the Iowa State Fair without the iconic butter cow sculpture, but this year, the buttery bovine will share the spotlight with some notable nighttime personalities.
Traditionally, the butter cow is accompanied by sculptures of famous figures or noteworthy Iowans. This year, it will be joined by sculptures of Johnny Carson, Steve Higgins and Jimmy Fallon.
Johnny Carson, who lived in Corning, Avoca and Red Oak as a child, took over "The Tonight Show" in 1962. Carson served as host for three decades.
Carson isn't the only Iowan with connections to "The Tonight Show": Steve Higgins, who hails from Des Moines, has worked as an announcer and producer of the late night hit for 10 years with Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon, known for his celebrity impersonations, sketches and interview style, will also be celebrated with a butter sculpture.
In addition to these late night bigwigs, the butter sculptors will also create a sky glider seat out of butter to commemorate the 50th year of the fair's Main Sky Glider.
All of the butter sculptures will be created by sculptor Sarah Pratt, who has been creating the cow since 2006. Pratt will be joined by two apprentices.
Last year, the iconic butter cow was joined by sculptures of Caitlin Clark, Jack Trice and Kurt Warner.
More information on the history of the Iowa State Fair butter cow can be found here. Find the butter cow and all its buddies inside the John Deere Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18.