Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, center, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, left, unveil the 2019 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow during a ceremony inside the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. The theme of this year's butter cow, made of 800 pounds of recycled butter by artist Sarah Pratt, is "Building Our Future" and contains nine hearts hidden within the sculpture that represent the essential nutrients found in dairy products. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker, joined by Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, cut the ribbon marking the opening of the Illinois State Fair.
Also attending Thursday's ribbon cutting was Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. The 161st annual agricultural showcase runs until Aug. 18.
Pritzker was asked Wednesday to name his favorite caloric concoctions. He said, "Virtually anything fried tastes great, literally - and I've seen virtually everything fried."
The governor spoke after he and Agriculture Director John Sullivan unveiled the sculpted butter cow. Sullivan says the 800-pound (363-kilogram) homage to the state's dairy industry is a nearly century-old tradition.
Pritzker says he didn't brave any carnival rides when he visited the fair last year as a candidate for governor. He wouldn't commit to one this year.
"Definitely not after I eat food," he quipped.
The 2019 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow is unveiled with the theme of "Building Our Future" during a ceremony inside the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. The butter cow is made of 800 pounds of recycled butter by artist Sarah Pratt and contains nine hearts hidden within the sculpture that represent the essential nutrients found in dairy products. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, right, walks down Main Street with former track and field athlete Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, center, the Grand Marshall of the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, left, after cutting the ribbon opening the Main Gate for the 2019 Illinois State Fair at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, left, buys his ticket for admission to the Illinois State Fair from Josh Maisenbacher, right, after cutting the ribbon opening the Main Gate for the 2019 Illinois State Fair at Illinois State Fairgrounds, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, center, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Grand Marshall of the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, along with John Sullivan, left, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, right, cut the ribbon officially opening the Main Gate for the 2019 Illinois State Fair at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, center, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Grand Marshall of the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, along with Randy Duncan, portraying Abraham Lincoln, left, John Sullivan, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Kevin Gordan, Illinois State Fair Manager, and Omer Osman, Illinois Acting Secretary of Transportation, right, cut the ribbon officially opening the Main Gate for the 2019 Illinois State Fair at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP)
The Associated Press