SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Over 800 pounds of butter has been delivered to the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., marking the start of construction for one of Central New York’s most cherished and best-kept secrets – the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture by the American Dairy Association North East, sponsored by Wegmans.
This past weekend, sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton arrived with their tools and began the intricate process of crafting the annual sculpture, which will take about 11 days to complete on-site.
“Each year, the iconic butter sculpture shines a spotlight on our state’s dairy industry,” says John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East. “This remarkable attraction honors the hardworking dairy farmers of New York who dedicate themselves every day to sustainably and responsibly producing nutrient-rich milk.”
The butter used for the sculpture is provided by O-AT-KA Mik Products in Batavia, N.Y. It’s butter that doesn’t meet retail specifications for various reasons, so the American Dairy Association North East collaborates with the sculptors to transform it into a stunning work of art.
After its 13-day display at The Fair, the butter will be transported back to Western New York, where it will be recycled into renewable energy at Noblehurst Farms, a dairy farm in Pavilion, N.Y. Noblehurst Farms’ extensive recycling program converts over 500 tons of food waste from supermarkets, universities, and schools each month into enough energy to power the farm and more than 300 local homes. This recycling initiative not only reduces the farm’s carbon footprint but also diverts food waste from landfills, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
The American Dairy Association North East will unveil the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture to the media and live on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanDairyNE/) on Tuesday, August 20th, the day before The Fair officially opens. The sculpture will then be on display in the Dairy Products Building for the entirety of The Fair.