It’s ‘A Christmas Story’ in July with the new Ohio State Fair butter display

The butter calf was incorporated into this year’s butter display theme at the Ohio State Fair. Someone must have “triple dog dared” her and Flick to stick their tongues to a pole. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

The butter calf was incorporated into this year’s butter display theme at the Ohio State Fair. Someone must have “triple dog dared” her and Flick to stick their tongues to a pole. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
What to Do
By Alex Perry
July 24, 2018
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The Ohio State Fair's best-kept secret has been unveiled, and it's bringing some holiday spirit to a summer tradition. 
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The butter display is a long-standing tradition of Ohio’s more than 2,200 dairy farmers. Each year, the display’s theme is one of the best-kept secrets leading up to the Ohio State Fair. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

This year's butter display, presented by the American Dairy Association Mideast, celebrates 35 years of the classic holiday film, "A Christmas Story," which was filmed in Cleveland in 1983.
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Sculptors first build steel frames to support the butter, then spend hours molding and smoothing while the sculptures take shape. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

Sculptors spent about 400 hours in the 46-degree cooler crafting more than a ton of butter into scenes from the iconic movie including Ralphie in his bunny suit, a Christmas tree and of course, the infamous leg lamp.
>> A few reasons to 'MMMbop' your way to the Indiana State Fair, including a concert by legendary Doors guitarist

Each year, the American Dairy Association Mideast chooses a butter display theme that honors Ohio’s history and culture. This year, they celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the classic holiday film, “A Christmas Story,” which was filmed in Cleveland. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

"Watching 'A Christmas Story' is a holiday tradition for people across the country, and we're proud that it's one that started right here in Ohio," said Jenny Hubble, senior vice president of communications for ADA Mideast in a news release to this news organization.
>> Wacky foods you'll only find at the Ohio State Fair

Erin Swearingen shapes the branches of the Christmas tree butter sculpture. After several hours of shaping and smoothing the butter, sculptors chisel in the fine details last. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

The butter sculptures are on display in the Dairy Products Building at the Ohio State Fair from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. through Aug. 5. 
>> PHOTOS: Did we spot you at El Meson's 40th anniversary party?!

Sculptors incorporated twinkling lights into the Christmas tree butter sculpture. This year’s butter display pays tribute to a classic holiday movie filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, “A Christmas Story,” which was released 35 years ago. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

Want to go?

WHAT: Annual butter display at the Ohio State Fair

WHERE: The Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus

WHEN: July 25 through Aug. 5

INFO: Facebook | Website

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About the Author

Alex Perry