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Harry Potter in Butter, Ice Carvings and Jumbo Veggies Featured in Agriculture Building

Harry Potter in butter, ice carvings and jumbo vegetables will all be found in the John Deere Agriculture Building sponsored by Alliant Energy during the 2007 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19.

In addition to the world-famous Butter Cow, Harry Potter, the star of the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling, will be the featured butter sculpture. The buttery tributes will take approximately two weeks of sculpting by creator Sarah Pratt of Norwalk. Both sculptures will be showcased in the Ag Building's 40 degree cooler for the duration of the Fair.

Ice carver Bill Gordish returns to transform blocks of ice into works of art. He will demonstrate his creativity on August 9, 14 and 16 just outside the front doors of the building.

Jumbo squashes will take to the scale August 16 and other jumbo vegetables weigh in on August 14.

Fairgoers will find traditional favorites including FFA, 4-H and open class horticulture and floriculture displays, the Discovery Garden, an apiary exhibit, daily stage presentations and inside gardens as well.

The Iowa State Fair "Sounds Like Fun" August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines and are open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.