Minnesota

AT THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR, SCULPTORS ONCE AGAIN LOCKED IN TO CARVE PRINCESS KAY OF THE MILKY WAY—IN 90-POUND BLOCKS OF BUTTER. THAT’S RIGHT: HUMAN FACES, CORPORATE FOCUS, ZERO ROOM-TEMPERATURE MARGIN FOR ERROR.

THESE ARTISTS WORK IN A REFRIGERATED BOOTH COOLED TO 46 DEGREES. THEIR SCULPTING TAKES ABOUT SIX HOURS, ONE BUTTER CURL AT A TIME, WHILE FAIRGOERS WATCH THROUGH GLASS LIKE IT’S A DAIRY-THEMED REALITY SHOW.

AND WHEN IT’S ALL OVER? THE BUTTER DOESN’T RETIRE. IT GETS RECYCLED—USED FOR COOKING OIL OR FUEL—BECAUSE SUSTAINABILITY IS ON BRAND AND NOTHING SAYS MINNESOTA LIKE CIRCULAR BUTTER ECONOMICS.

SO YES: COLD ROOM, WARM SMILES, MONUMENTAL CHOLESTEROL. MINNESOTA CONTINUES TO EXECUTE EXCELLENCE IN SILENCE, SWEATSHIRTS, AND UNSALTED AMBITION.