Butter Sculpture unveiled

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding unveiled the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Butter Sculpture, a 1,000-pound sculpture that illustrates how defining moments in U.S. history and the evolution of agriculture have grown side by side to shape our nation. “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers” was sponsored by The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, American Dairy Association North East, and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program.

Pennsylvania dairy farmer Carolyn Eaglehouse from Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs and a host of dairy industry leaders joined Secretary Redding to unveil the sculpture. Created for America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s butter sculpture honors Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding and the growth of American agriculture and our nation’s economy. Set in 1776 Philadelphia, the sculpture depicts Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with a celebratory toast with milk. Patriotic elements, including the Liberty Bell, a tribute to Betsy Ross, and red, white, and blue accents underscore the spirit of the semi-quincentennial. At the same time, the base highlights Pennsylvania’s enduring agricultural heritage.

“The butter sculpture is a people-pleasing favorite every year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” 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.”

The sculpture, designed and crafted by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, reflects the 2026 Farm Show theme, Growing a Nation, and celebrates America250. The 2026 Farm Show is the official kick for a year of America250PA commemorations celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

America250PA emphasizes Pennsylvania’s pivotal place in U.S. history as one of the original 13 colonies and its contributions to the nation’s founding, democratic traditions, and future prosperity. “What a meaningful year to create the Farm Show Butter Sculpture,” Victor said. “We’re honored to tell Pennsylvania’s story of dairy and democracy through this unique art form.”

The 2026 Farm Show – Pennsylvania State Fair – runs Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17, 2026. The theme, Growing a Nation, celebrates Pennsylvania’s critical role in shaping the United States through agriculture. It highlights how the Commonwealth’s farming heritage helped feed the early nation and continues to drive economic growth, innovation, and community through its agriculture and food industries.

Pennsylvania’s State Fair showcases top competitors from 108 county and local fairs, the diversity and quality of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, the innovative people who make it thrive, and the faces of our proud past and promising future. The show offers visitors a look at the industry that supports 593,000 Pennsylvania jobs and contributes $132.5 billion to the state’s economy each year.