57th Annual New York State Fair sculpture blends dairy’s nutritional power with a whimsical Wizard of Oz tribute
The curtain rises on a favorite New York State Fair tradition—the 57th Annual American Dairy Association North East Butter Sculpture. This year’s theme, Dairy For Good: Nourish Grow Thrive, celebrates how milk, yogurt, and cheese support every stage of life. The display also salutes the 125th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its New York author, L. Frank Baum.
At the center is a playful hot air balloon stamped with the phrase “Dairy Defies Gravity,” floating above a winding path that represents life’s journey. Three butter figures illustrate dairy’s role from the very beginning: a pregnant mother raising a glass of milk, a six-month-old enjoying yogurt, and a toddler savoring a piece of cheese.
"This year's butter sculpture beautifully showcases the power of dairy nutrition," said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. "The craftsmanship captures not just a scene, but a story — from nourishing mothers and helping babies grow to supporting thriving toddlers, dairy provides essential nutrients every step of the journey."
Dairy farmer Jaime Mowry of Le Roy said the sculpture is a memorable way to promote healthy starts for children. New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball added that the unveiling honors dairy farm families who feed communities and strengthen local economies. Wegmans is the proud sponsor of the sculpture.
Artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton created the work onsite over 11 days using more than 800 pounds of butter supplied by O-AT-KA Milk Products. For the fourth consecutive year, carefully placed touches of color enhance the detail and storytelling.
Sustainability is also part of the tradition. After The Fair, the butter will be recycled at Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, which is celebrating ten years of transforming the sculpture into renewable energy. Over the past decade, Noblehurst has recycled about four tons of butter—enough to power a home for roughly one month—while keeping waste out of the landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Wegmans is proud to sponsor this year's Butter Sculpture, which is such an integral part of the New York State Fair," said Evelyn Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans Food Markets. "We are delighted to once again be a participant in this long-standing tradition."
The sculpture is on display throughout The Fair in the Dairy Products Building. Visitors can learn more at the American Dairy Association North East website and explore how dairy fuels families, farms, and communities every day. Fairgoers can also see other dairy exhibits, sample products, and meet farmer ambassadors on site.
Photo Credit: American Dairy Association North East