For nearly a century, people have come from far and wide to Harrisburg every January to see the best that Pennsylvania’s agricultural businesses have to offer. The 99th Pennsylvania Farm Show, scheduled for January 10–17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, highlights the ag industry as the state’s leading economic driver and is a showcase of how Pennsylvania’s farmers continue to provide an amazing variety of food for our families.
We’ve chosen 11 highlights from the more than 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits you’ll find at the 99th Annual PA Farm Show. Be sure to check them out:
PA Preferred Food Court
The PA Preferred Food Court is by far the most delicious highlight at the Farm Show. Located in the Weis Expo Hall and Food Court Annex, the food court is the place for exhibitors to showcase and sell high-quality Pennsylvania food products. Candy, donuts, French fries, milkshakes, sandwiches, pizza, soup, ice cream and much, much more—all made from Pennsylvania products … it’s no wonder the food court’s annual sales top a record $2 million! New this year: fried pickles from the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association, grilled cheeseburgers from the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and soft pretzels and pork nachos from PennAg Industries Association. Additionally, the Food Court Annex in the Main Hall has been expanded to make room for more visitors.
Pennsylvania Wineries
Two dozen Pennsylvania wineries from six different regions throughout the state will be on hand with a wide variety of offerings and insight into Pennsylvania vineyards and wineries. Be sure to visit the tasting booth and indulge in your share of red, white and rose. Visitors can also enjoy the Great Grape Stomp, cooking demos and Governor’s Cup wine competition. Visit this link to see the full winery itinerary.
Culinary Connection
Enjoy local flavors and entertainment by renowned chefs from Pennsylvania and beyond. The PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage in the Main Exhibit Hall will play host to a variety of chefs and culinary experts, who’ll be discussing and demonstrating the topic of the day. From Mushroom Day and Vegetable Day to Pork Day and Dairy Day, you’ll be inspired to see familiar ingredients in a whole new way. This year look for Aaron McCargo Jr., winner of “The Next Food Network Star” and star of “Big Daddy’s House,” to appear on the stage at noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 11.
Farm Show Detective
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Turkey Hill, this program lets young people and their families learn about agriculture in an engaging way. Find out more about 20 different agricultural commodities, including bees and honey, maple syrup, apples, mushrooms, vegetables, sheep, logging horses, alpacas and more. A special map guides detectives to interactive stations throughout the complex, identified with the Farm Show Detective logo.
Scavenger Hunt
Visitors to the Farm Show can search for 24 replica historical markers throughout the complex thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. To start your hunt and learn how Pennsylvania is the “Land of Penn and Plenty,” visit the PHMC booth in the Family Living section between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. The PHMC Marker Booth will also host a photo and map exhibit illustrating Pennsylvania’s Agricultural History Project.
Sale of Champions
The Sale of Champions is an auction of the best lambs, hogs, goats and steers exhibited by Pennsylvania 4-H and FFA members. Exhibitors receive most of the sale proceeds, with a small percentage going to support the Farm Show Scholarship Foundation and 4-H and FFA programs. Several new animal breeds have been entered in the competition this year, including 7 additional varieties of poultry and 17 additional variety classes for rabbits.
New Tractor Ride
The “Tractor Ride” will partner with the Learning Stations and the farm equipment station to promote modern farm equipment and add some entertainment for the younger attendees. The new ride will be in the Expo Hall for your enjoyment; cost to ride is $2.
Cheese Competition
The first annual Pennsylvania Farm Show cheese competition will be held this year. Pennsylvania licensed cheesemakers will showcase their best hard and soft cheeses in four categories: cow’s, goat’s, sheep’s and all/mixed milk. Check out the winners in Exhibition C near the Maclay Street Lobby.
Lumberjacks and Jills Demonstration
Lumberjacks and jills will demonstrate and compete in the spring board, standing chop, underhand chop, axe throwing and cross cut sawing classes. The Pennsylvania Professional Lumberjack Organization will also be on hand with demonstrations using hot saws, wood harvesting techniques and a horse logging demonstration beginning at 6 p.m. in the Large Arena.
Poultry Presentations
There will be short presentation twice a day to discuss consumer and backyard poultry issues. The presentations will be in the East Hall by the duck pond in the poultry barn. Those interested in having their own poultry should definitely join in on on the discussion.
Ag Olympics
Teams will compete for prizes and bragging rights while individuals will be able to test their skills at stations operated by the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council. Challenges will include dressing up as a scarecrow and testing agriculture trivia knowledge. The competition gets underway at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, in the Equine Arena.
Download a visitors’ guide with the complete schedule of events and exhibitor listings at the link!
- Sheep and Wine Photos: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- Eggplant Photo: Nina Lea Photgraphy
- Cheese Photo: Michele Kornegay
