Butter up! Create your own sculpture to win prizes at Pa. Farm Show contest

HARRISBURG, Pa. — You’re going to need a few pounds of butter and the mind of an artist to win the latest contest from the Pa. Department of Agriculture.

Because the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many were disappointed they would not get to see the 1,000 pound sculpture made out of butter.

However, Pa. residents can now take matters into their own hands -- literally!

The “Butter Up” contest challenges people to create and submit their very own butter sculptures to win one of a variety of gift cards from members of the Pa. Food Merchants Association.

According to a release, the contest will be open for submissions from Jan. 9 through Jan. 16 at 8 p.m.

Here are the guidelines provided by officials:

• Individuals can use up to 5 pounds of butter
• Allowed to use chicken wire, sculpting wire, and a base to support the design
• Cannot use food dye or coloring of any kind to enhance the butter
• Sculptures must be unique, individual work of the entrants

Entrants will be judged in five age group categories including elementary school (ages 5-10), middle school (ages 11-13), high school (ages 14-18), adult (ages 19-64), and senior (ages 65+).

The winners and runners up will be judged by fans of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Facebook page by total reactions (likes, loves, wows, cares, etc.).

You can read the full list of rules and regulations here.

The department also urges individuals to look for Pennsylvania butter when purchasing supplies in order to support the state’s dairy industry.

The full schedule of virtual Pa. Farm Show events will run from Jan. 11 through Jan. 15.

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