Minnesota State Fair Dairy Princesses receive 90-pound butter sculptures

At the Minnesota State Fair, a long-standing tradition involves carving butter sculptures throughout the 12-day event. At the conclusion of the fair, the Dairy Princesses are permitted to keep a 90-pound butter sculpture of their own heads.

To facilitate transport, the sculptures are provided in boxes along with a clear trash bag for loose scraps. Because the boxes are tightly fitted, it is common for features like the nose or chin to become flattened during transit. The boxes do not include dry ice or ice packs, meaning families must rely on air conditioning or natural insulation during transport.

Once home, families typically use the butter for cooking, often cutting from the back toward the front to preserve the face for as long as possible. It can take approximately two to three years to consume the entire 90-pound block. Alternatively, some choose to distribute the butter quickly by hosting community events, such as a corn feed.