3D Printing @ Illinois State Fair

3D Printed Butter Cow Contest

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) is proud to announce Blake Sommer, a seventh grade student at Fulton Jr. High School in O’Fallon School District 90, as the winner of the 2025 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow 3D Printing Contest. Blake’s imaginative miniature bovine was reproduced and distributed as a collectible keepsake at the 2025 Illinois State Fair in Springfield this August. The statewide contest invited K-12 students across Illinois to blend creativity and technology, using design programs such as Tinkercad, SketchUp and Fusion 360 to create unique 3D renderings of the iconic butter cow that could be converted into printable files.

Program Sunset: The LTC will no longer host the 3D Printing Competition at the Illinois State Fair. We deeply appreciate the creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm that students, educators, and families have brought to this competition over the years!

Contest Guidelines & Resources

Previous Winners

Get inspired to create your own 3D-printed bovine with these previous winners:

- 2024 | Isaac Jacquez (Mannheim District 83) | Winning design and video
- 2025 | Blake Sommer (O’Fallon School District 90) | Press Release

Resources

Here are several resources to help you understand the 3D printing design and production process:

Tools and Trainings

3D printing basics, terminology, and additional resources (LTC-Created Resource)

Print Like a Pro video course

Learn 3D Design with Tinkercad

3D printing courses with Prusa

PrusaSlicer application (for exporting files as .stl)

Reference Pictures

2021 and 2022 Designs and Dimensions

Disclaimer: The LTC does not endorse any 3D printing products, vendors, or service providers. The following resources are provided to increase understanding about the 3D printing process and access to STEM learning.