BUTTER SCULPTURES: The Department of Agriculture announced a new opportunity for Pennsylvanians to bring the Pennsylvania Farm Show into their homes — by inviting them to craft their own butter sculpture creations and enter them into the Butter Up! Contest for a chance to win one of a variety of gift cards from members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA).

The contest will be open for submissions from Jan. 9 through Jan. 16, 2021 at 8 p.m. The guidelines include:

— Individuals can use up to 5 pounds of butter;

— Are 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; and

— Sculptures must be unique, individual work of the entrants.

While not a requirement, the department suggests individuals look for Pennsylvania butter, to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, when purchasing supplies to sculpt their entry.

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 pageOpens In A New Window by total reactions (likes, loves, wows, cares, etc.).

To read the full rules and regulations, including eligibility, contest period, how to enter, guidelines, and judging, visit farmshow.pa.gov.

Members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants AssociationOpens In A New Window have donated $50 and $25 gift cards for the winners and runners up in all five categories, participating merchants include GIANT, C&S Wholesalers, Wegmans, Square One Markets, and Giant Eagle.

The full schedule of virtual Pennsylvania Farm Show events will run from Jan. 11 — 15, 2021, with previews and light programming running Jan 9 and 10.