Sculptor Sharon BuMann will unveil the 2011 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow, or at least the portion of it that is done, Thursday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m.. in the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Unlike past years when the famous sculpture has been completed prior to the start of the fair, BuMann this year will finish her creation during the fair, giving fairgoers their first ever opportunity to watch her work.

Illinois Agriculture Director Tom Jennings, State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Jackie Driscoll and Dairy Building superintendent Marla Behrends also are scheduled to attend the ceremony. Dairy refreshments will be served.

The butter cow exhibit is a project of the Midwest Dairy Association and paid for by its local farmer members.

The 2011 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 12 - 21. For more information, visit www.illinoisstatefair.info.