What is the 2022 PA Farm Show butter sculpture? We have your first look

Shelly Stallsmith, York Daily Record
·2 min read
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Butter is back!

After missing last year's virtual event, the Pennsylvania Farm Show butter sculpture has returned.

This year's piece, featuring the theme "Harvesting More", was unveiled Thursday in the Dauphin County complex as the unofficial start to the Farm Show. The actual show doesn't open until 8 a.m. Saturday, but the food court will be available to the public from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday.

The sculpture, sponsored by the American Dairy Association North East, features urban and rural agriculturalists coming together by toasting glasses of milk. Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said the sculpture highlights that there is strength in diversity and unity.

This year's Pa. Farm Show butter sculpture represents the connection between urban and rural farming.
This year's Pa. Farm Show butter sculpture represents the connection between urban and rural farming.

"Over the past 22 months we have learned we are stronger and more resilient through our combined efforts to feed the commonwealth," Redding said. "We are Harvesting More, together, to provide for Pennsylvanians through good times and bad. It takes all of us working together to ensure a bountiful, food-secure and sustainable world."

He said the state's agriculture is visible across the commonwealth, on rural farms and in vacant city lots. Both are essential to make sure food is available for everyone.

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Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, of Conshohocken, turned 1,000 pounds of butter into this year's creation. They began work in mid-December to craft the sculpture.

The butter was donated by the Land O'Lakes plant in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County. It will be recycled into energy at a dairy farm in Juniata County when the Farm Show ends.

Screen grab from the time-lapse video of this year's Pa. Farm Show butter sculpture being put together.
Screen grab from the time-lapse video of this year's Pa. Farm Show butter sculpture being put together.

When is the Farm Show in Harrisburg

The Farm Show runs from Jan. 8 through 15, although there are some closed competitions being held on Jan. 7.

Opening ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 8, and the day's events include the grand champion junior market lamb competition, truck and tractor pull demonstration and the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association championship.

Agriculture Secretary Russell and Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, creators of the butter sculpture, reveal their work. Carved from a half-ton of butter, it highlights this year’s theme of Harvesting More.
Agriculture Secretary Russell and Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, creators of the butter sculpture, reveal their work. Carved from a half-ton of butter, it highlights this year’s theme of Harvesting More.

Here is a look at when some of the other most popular events will be held:

  • Grand champion junior market swine, 4 p.m. Sunday

  • Grand champion junior market goat, 1 p.m. Monday

  • Beef cattle supreme champion, 3 p.m. Monday

  • Square dance competition, 7 p.m. Monday

  • Sale of champions - junior market, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday

  • Youth fleece to shawl contest, 10 a.m. Wednesday

  • Sheep to shawl contest, 3 p.m. Wednesday

  • Sheep to shawl auction, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

  • Celebrity cow milking contest, 2:30 p.m. Friday

  • Rodeo finals, 4 p.m. Jan. 15

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pa. Farm Show butter sculpture unveiled