DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Floppy is going to be Gov. Terry Branstad’s companion at the Iowa State Fair. The governor’s office announced Tuesday the beagle puppet made famous by his 30-year-run on Des Moines TV station WHO will go on display in Branstad’s state fair booth in the Varied Industries Building. The fair begins Thursday. The puppet starred on “The Floppy Show” and came to life through the ventriloquism of Duane Ellett.

After Ellett died in 1987, his family donated Floppy and other puppets to the State Historical Society. Floppy was displayed from 1994 until earlier this year, when the puppet was removed to the outrage of his fans. After the fair, Floppy will be sent to Omaha, Neb., for repairs at the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, then returned the State Historical Museum.