DES MOINES, Iowa (WOWT) - On this day in 1911, it is believed that the Iowa State Fair unveiled its very first butter cow.

Sculptor J.K. Daniels crafted the life size dairy masterpiece.

According to the state fair’s website, the butter cow start with a wood, metal, wire, and mesh frame, and about 600 pounds of butter.

The tradition has continued for more than half a century, with much of the butter reused for up to 10 years.

Standing about five-and-a-half feet tall and eight feet long, the cow contains enough butter to cover more than 19,000 slices of toast.

It’s one of the Fair’s most beloved attractions , but unlike so many of the other items at the fair, this is meant to be admired, not eaten.

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