Published: July 16, 2009 09:35 am      

Iowa State Fair puts Butter Sculpture to a vote

The Iowa State Fair appreciates the input of hundreds of people who have voiced their opinions, both positive and negative, on the issue of including Michael Jackson as a companion element in the 2009 moonwalk butter sculpture.

“The overwhelming response is a testament to how important the Iowa State Fair is to Iowans and to the iconic nature of Iowa’s butter cow,” says Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair CEO/Manager.

“However, the ongoing discussion has created a lot of, well, ‘churn,’” he adds. “Since everyone has an opinion about the sculpture, we’ve decided to put it to a vote and let Fairgoers decide.”

Beginning Thursday, visit iowastatefair.org and cast your vote for whether or not Michael Jackson should be part of the 2009 Iowa State Fair moonwalk butter sculpture.

The concept of the sculpture will be a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk on July 20, 1969. In honor of Armstrong’s “giant leap for mankind,” this year’s sculpture will include an astronaut, an American flag and a buttery rendition of the surface of the moon. Depending on the vote, Michael Jackson would be featured in a small side portion of the sculpture as the first pop-star to perfect and popularize choreographed moonwalking.

The online poll will be available at iowastatefair.org until 3 p.m. on July 16. Final results will be announced July 17.

“State Fair Time” in 2009 is set August 13-23. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.