Caitlin Clark‘s celebrity is nothing new — especially in the state of Iowa. Following a stellar high school career at Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines, Clark shot to prominence as the star guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, leading the underdog program to consecutive NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024 before leaving the college ranks as the NCAA’s all-time top scorer — in men’s and women’s basketball.

Since jumping to the WNBA — and emerging as an All-Star in her rookie year with the Indiana Fever — Clark’s fame has only grown, ushering in an exciting new era for the W and for women’s hoops in general. Back home in Iowa, fans continue to demonstrate their love and appreciation for Clark — and in increasingly unique ways.

Clark’s surprise sculpture: Not what it seems

Clark is at the center of what is fast becoming a tradition at the Iowa State Fair. Upon arrival at the state fair, located in Des Moines, guests are greeted with a life-size sculpture of Clark…made entirely out of butter.

Some locals and diehard fans probably remember seeing this dairy tribute to Clark at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. This marks the second year running in which Clark has been memorialized in butter — although the 2024 sculpture appears to be a bit more detailed and accurate.

The sculpture just goes to show that Clark’s legacy back home is akin to that of a living legend. A two-time National Player of the Year at Iowa, Clark led the program to consecutive Final Fours after a 30-year drought, and her four-year averages — 28.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game — cemented her status as an all-time college great.

Even though Clark has turned the page and is fast emerging as a WNBA superstar, she knows that she can always go home — where she will receive a hero’s welcome.