1,500-pound cheese sculpture created at State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. unveiled a 1,500-pound cheese sculpture at the Indiana State Fair.

Food artists Sarah Kaufmann and Nancy Baker spent nearly 300 hours making the sculpture. It was created from a mix of yellow and white cheddar cheeses donated by Kroger and Pace Dairy.

The fair’s theme, “Soundtrack of Summer,” is reflected in the piece — including a cow strumming a guitar and a jukebox that lights up.

“The annual cheese sculpture is an awe-inspiring attraction at the Indiana State Fair, and Sarah Kaufmann always delivers a memorable masterpiece,” said Brooke Williams, communications director for ADAI.

“Attendees inspired by the 1,500 cheese sculpture can then head to the Dairy Bar for a refreshing milkshake or gooey grilled cheese.”

The sculpture will remain on display at the Ag/Hort Building through the end of the fair on Aug. 17.

Biotown Ag will convert the sculpture into energy when the fair is over.

If you visit the fair, stop by the Dairy Bar to try this year’s signature foods — the smoked gouda’cue grilled cheese and key lime pie milkshake.

The smoked gouda’cue grilled cheese includes smoked gouda, sharp cheddar and tangy barbecue sauce between buttery Texas toast.

Last year, the Dairy Bar’s record-breaking sales included:

• 72,000 milkshakes.

• 39,000 grilled cheese sandwiches.

• Over 12,000 bowls of ice cream.

• Over 7,000 orders of mozzarella sticks.

• Almost 10,000 servings of milk.