DES MOINES - The world-famous Iowa State Fair butter cow will share the spotlight this year with a salute to the late Michael Jackson. Both pieces will be on display in the Agriculture Building's 40-degree cooler throughout the fair, Aug. 13-23.

Butter sculptor Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines plans to honor Jackson's extensive contributions to the music and dance industries through a butter sculpture of the pop icon. This year's butter bovine will be a jersey cow.

Michael Jackson danced on to the Iowa State Fair Grandstand stage Aug. 29, 1971, as a member of the Jackson Five. Alongside his brothers, Jackson turned out two exceptional performances to the delight of 17,000 fair-going fans.

Today, nearly four decades later, he is remembered as a pop-culture icon whose music reflected the passion and creativity of a new era. As the world mourns the loss of such a skilled and exceptional entertainer, the Iowa State Fair would like to celebrate the King of Pop and commemorate the ways his contributions have transformed American music and dance.