Michael Jackson to Be Honored With Butter Statue at Iowa State Fair

The tributes to Michael Jackson will surely keep coming, but we're betting none will top the Iowa State Fair's homage to the King of Pop for surreality. Now, it's not traditional State Fair, um, fare like fried Twinkees or Snickers in deep batter, but it's not far off.

The Des Moines Register reports that the fair is planning to honor Jackson with a butter statue. That's right, a likeness of the King of Pop made of dairy. The statue, which will reportedly sit in a cooler chilled to 40 degrees, will serve a two-fold purpose, and no, it's not for giant french toast. In addition to being a memorial of sorts, the moonwalking Jackson will also pay homage to the 40th anniversary of the moon landing.

"In honor of Armstrong's 'giant leap for mankind,' plans for this year's sculpture include an astronaut, an American flag and a buttery rendition of the surface of the moon," a State Fair representative said in a press release. "Michael Jackson will be featured in a small side portion of the sculpture as the first pop-star to perfect and popularize choreographed moonwalking. We are not honoring him for his character, but recognizing his piece of Iowa State Fair history."

Jackson played the Iowa State Fair in 1971 with his brothers in the Jackson 5 and with everybody paying tribute to the fallen singer, the State Fair wants to recognize his moment there. But, really, what was wrong with a simple plaque saying "Michael Jackson Played Here" or a little penny with Jackson's picture on it? For those who have to see it to believe it, the State Fair runs August 13 - 23 in Des Moines