See The 1,000 Pound 2026 PA Farm Show Butter Sculpture

HARRISBURG, PA — The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Butter Sculpture has been unveiled and serves as a celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. The 1,000-pound sculpture is titled, "A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers."

Secretary Russell Redding said the butter sculpture holds deeper meaning this year. It reflects how agriculture has been fundamental to the nation’s growth and prosperity for 250 years.

The sculpture, created by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, is set in 1776 Philadelphia. It depicts Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence and toasting with milk. Patriotic elements like the Liberty Bell and a tribute to Betsy Ross are included, along with red, white, and blue accents. The base highlights Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.

"The butter sculpture is a people-pleasing favorite every year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” Secretary Redding said. “In this America250 year, it takes on a deeper meaning reflecting how agriculture has been the roots of our nation’s growth and prosperity for 250 years, and how Pennsylvania farmers will continue to lead us forward.”

(More pictures of the sculpture can be found here.)

The creators said they are "honored to tell Pennsylvania’s story of dairy and democracy through this unique art form.” Victor and Pelton have crafted 24 butter sculptures for the Farm Show since 1995.

The 2026 Farm Show, with the theme "Growing a Nation," runs through Jan. 17. The butter from the sculpture, donated by Land O’ Lakes, will be recycled at Reinford Farms in Juniata County. It will be converted into renewable energy in the farm’s methane digester.

Admission to the Farm Show is free, and parking costs $15 per vehicle. More information is available at farmshow.pa.gov under the 2026 Farm Show section.