"The Butter Cow, a life-size statue carved of pure cream Iowa butter, has drawn fans to the Iowa State Fair for more than a century. The 600-pound bovine packs enough butter for more than 19,000 slices of toast, and would take the average person two lifetimes to eat.
"But 21st century fair goers expect something more: In addition to the cow and other traditional agricultural attractions, this year's fair featured yoga and Zumba, craft beers and gluten-free corndogs
"To remain relevant, state fairs across the country - the latest ones will conclude this month - are going modern. . . .
"Fairs seem quintessentially American, but settlers brought them from Europe and England. The York, Pennsylvania, fair celebrated its 250th anniversary this year. New York claims the first state fair, in 1841. About 150 million people go to fairs in the United States annually, said Jim Tucker, president of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
"In some states, the fair attracts more people than any other event. . . ."
To access a Stateline report on state fairs and their striving to stay relevant, please visit:
Stateline: State Fairs Beyond Butter Sculptures to Drones and Yoga (16 OCT 15)
Background information:
The Big E, West Springfield, Massachusetts
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