‘Growing a nation’: Thematic butter sculpture unveiling kicks off 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
January 8, 2026

Dozens of fans and guests craned their necks and stood on tiptoes to catch a glimpse of this year’s butter sculpture, a mammoth piece honoring Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding 250 years ago. 

A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers” is the title of this year’s 1,000-pound butter sculpture unveiled Thursday ahead of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

“America was born in Pennsylvania, and this identity is deeply rooted in agriculture,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at Thursday’s unveiling. “It’s on all of us to stand here … (and) take time to look around, think about all of these farms and planting across the commonwealth who, every day, allow us to enjoy the life that we live.”

Made with 1,000 pounds of butter, this year’s sculpture includes the likeness of the nation’s founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia alongside the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross. Jeff Felsing, of Butler, takes a picture of the iconic butter sculpture at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex on Jan. 8, 2026. (Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Titled, “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers,” the work was designed and crafted by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, who have made 24 butter sculptures for the annual event. 

“It’s an honor to be part of the tradition every year,” said Victor. “Especially for this commemorative year, the 110th Farm show and the 250th anniversary of our nation.”

The butter was donated by Land O’Lakes in Cumberland County. When the Farm Show wraps up, it will be recycled at Reinford Farms in Juniata County, which will convert it into renewable energy in a methane digester. 

Nearly 600,000 Pennsylvanians work in the agricultural industry, which contributes $132.5 billion to the state’s economy annually, according to the state ag department.

The event opens on Saturday, Jan. 10, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 17, at the largest agricultural expo in the nation, featuring thousands of animals and competitions. Admission is free, but parking costs $15 per vehicle.

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