Governor and First Lady DeWine Celebrate Opening of Renovated State Fair Dairy Building

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine cut the ribbon to open the renovated Dairy Building at the Ohio Expo Center. Photo Courtesy of the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

July 28, 2026
From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine today joined the American Dairy Association Mideast and the Ohio Expositions Commission to cut the ribbon to the recently renovated Dairy Building on the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

Since it was built in 1925, the Dairy Building has been home to the famous butter cow and calf. The butter sculptures are a time-honored tradition, with new cow and calf sculptures created each year, along with a mystery sculpture that reflects the positive ideals and cultural trends in Ohio.

“Fran and I love seeing the butter cow and having ice cream with our grandchildren in the Dairy Building each year,” said Governor DeWine. “When we started thinking about improvements at the fairgrounds, we knew it was important to retain this important piece of the Fair’s history, but we also recognized it was in need of renovation after a century of use.”

“Mike and I know that the Dairy Building is an historic place at the Ohio State Fair,” said First Lady DeWine. “Memories are made here — and will continue to be made here — for years to come.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine joined the American Dairy Association Mideast and the Ohio Expositions Commission to open the renovated Dairy Building at the Ohio Expo Center, including this year’s Butter Cow Sculpture, which has an America 250 theme. Photo courtesy of the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
The building’s exterior mural on the north side of the building has been maintained, and a new butter cow mural has been painted on the east side of the building. Photo Courtesy of the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

The renovations keep the existing structure of the historic building, focusing on interior improvements and a new addition. The building’s brick exterior and historic archway entrance have been maintained, while other improvements, such as utility upgrades and a new roof, have been done. The building’s addition adds public restrooms, as well as vital back-of-house operational space. Notably, the previous butter sculpture cooler was removed, and a new recessed cooler has been installed, allowing more room for visitor flow in the Dairy Building.

 

“On behalf of Ohio’s dairy farmers, the American Dairy Association Mideast is grateful for the significant improvements made to the Dairy Building,” says Scott Higgins, president and CEO of the American Dairy Association Mideast. “We thank Governor DeWine for his leadership and for recognizing our needs as part of the broader plan to enhance the Ohio State Fair. We also appreciate the support of the Ohio General Assembly in providing the capital funding necessary to make this project possible. These improvements will strengthen our ability to serve fairgoers and create an even more welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits the Dairy Building.”

The renovated Dairy Building is one of many projects underway at the Ohio State Fair as part of the Expo 2050 construction projects, which also include two new buildings; renovations to three other buildings; the new Ohio Children’s Carousel; underground infrastructure work; a new Town Square featuring an amphitheater, playground, and misting area; and more.

The Ohio State Fair runs from July 29 through August 9, 2026. For more information, visit ohiostatefair.com