A remarkable hot air balloon crafted entirely from butter has become the star attraction at this year's Great New York State Fair, drawing crowds with its whimsical design and impressive artistry. The American Dairy Association North East unveiled the 57th annual butter sculpture on Tuesday, featuring the theme "Dairy For Good: Nourish. Grow. Thrive." which celebrates the nutritional benefits of dairy products throughout all stages of human life.
The elaborate sculpture pays special tribute to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," commemorating the 125th anniversary of the beloved classic story written by L. Frank Baum, who was born in Chittenango, New York. The centerpiece features a golden balloon prominently displaying the words "Dairy Defies Gravity," which appears to float above an intricately carved winding path representing life's journey.
Along this butter-carved pathway, three detailed figures demonstrate dairy's impact on human development and health. The sculptures depict a pregnant woman holding a glass of milk, a baby enjoying yogurt, and a toddler happily eating cheese, showcasing how dairy products support nutrition from pregnancy through early childhood development.
"This year's butter sculpture beautifully showcases the power of dairy nutrition," said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. "It tells a story—one that begins with nourishment and ends with thriving, thanks to dairy." The message resonates strongly with local dairy farmers and families who rely on these products as dietary staples.
The beloved annual display, sponsored by Wegmans, required extraordinary skill and dedication to complete. Renowned butter artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton worked onsite for 11 consecutive days, using more than 800 pounds of butter sourced from O-AT-KA Milk Products in Western New York. Their craftsmanship transformed the raw dairy product into an intricate work of art featuring numerous surprising details.
Jaime Mowry, a dairy farmer and mother from LeRoy, New York, expressed her appreciation for the sculpture's meaningful message. "Milk, cheese, and yogurt are everyday staples in our home," Mowry said. "Seeing that message come to life in butter—complete with so many surprising details—makes it all the more memorable." Her comments reflect the sentiment of many farming families who see their work celebrated through this artistic display.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball praised the sculpture as both entertaining and educational. He described it as "a fun and unique way to honor the work of New York's dairy farmers and teach fairgoers about the value of dairy nutrition and local agriculture." The display serves multiple purposes, combining artistic appreciation with agricultural education.
Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability, the butter sculpture will not go to waste when the fair concludes. For the tenth consecutive year, Noblehurst Farms in Linwood will collect the display and convert it into renewable energy through their innovative recycling program. Since launching this initiative, Noblehurst has successfully recycled 8,000 pounds of butter from past sculptures, preventing waste while generating enough clean energy to power an average home for an entire month.
Fair visitors can view the impressive butter sculpture throughout the duration of the Great New York State Fair inside the Dairy Products Building. Additional information about the sculpture and the American Dairy Association North East's programs is available at americandairy.com/nystatefair, where visitors can learn more about dairy nutrition and local agricultural initiatives.
