PA's 97th Farm Show Offers New Attractions, Time-Honored Favorites

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary George Greig invites Pennsylvanians to celebrate agriculture during the 97^th Pennsylvania Farm Show, set for Jan. 5-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

The eight-day show is themed, "Made in PA. It makes a difference." and features 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors.

"Pennsylvania's more than 62,000 farm families and thousands of agribusinesses provide an affordable food supply, keep money in local communities and create jobs," Greig said. "The Farm Show is a celebration of their contributions, from the competitive exhibits and demonstrations to the famous food court."

The unveiling of the butter sculpture and PA Preferred® Reception unofficially opens the show on Thursday, Jan 3. The reception features Pennsylvania-produced foods and beverages. Tickets for the reception are $35, and reservations are due Dec. 14. Visit www.papreferred.com for details.

The 2013 Farm Show will feature many new attractions, including: 

• Cow Patty Bingo – Beautiful bovines place their bets on a giant bingo card at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, in the Large Arena. Purchase $25 squares for the chance to win a Weber grill and beef or Pennsylvania prize packages. Proceeds support the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation. Call 717-787-5373 to buy a ticket.
• Great Grape Stomp – Two barefoot celebrity teams compete for top vintner honors in the Sale Arena on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. Audience members can vote for their favorite team and enter to win a winery tour.
• Polo Demonstration – "The Sport of Kings" comes to the Pennsylvania Farm Show during a polo demonstration on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 4:30 p.m. in the Equine Arena.
• New Food Court Items – New offerings include veal meatballs, bacon on a stick, grilled beef sausage sandwich, pumpkin funnel cake, raspberry drink, apple cider slushy and cherry pie.

Returning show highlights include:

• "Today's Agriculture" – An exhibit in a full-size barn that displays modern production practices used to efficiently and safely produce our food supply.
• "Parade of Agriculture" – During the opening ceremonies on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 a.m. representatives from each Farm Show department along with state commodity representatives parade through the Large Arena.
• PA Preferred® Culinary Connection – In addition to cooking demonstrations by local chefs, the stage features Food Network Chef Dave Leiberman and "The World's Youngest Chef"® Justin Miller. First Lady Susan Corbett leads a demonstration on Monday, Jan. 7, at 1 p.m.
• Farm Show Detectives – Young visitors can investigate Pennsylvania agriculture by visiting 28 learning stations around the complex offering hands-on lessons and activities.
• Sale of Champions – Grand Champion market animals sell during a fast-paced, high dollar auction on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 9:30 a.m. to benefit the Farm Show Scholarship Foundation, which this year awarded its $1 millionth dollar.
• Celebrity Draft Horse Team Driving – Celebrity teams compete in a draft horse team driving competition Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m.
• Celebrity Cow Milking Contest – Always a crowd-pleaser, the contest, on Friday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m. features Secretary Greig competing with local media personalities and state legislators.
• Farm Show Favorites – The Sheep-to-Shawl contest, high school rodeo and tractor square dancing are featured attractions, along with the many baking contests like the PA Preferred® chocolate cake contest.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs Jan. 5-12 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $10. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessed from nearby Interstate 81.

For more information, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

Editor's Note: The Farm Show has not been held annually, and it is incorrect to describe the 2013 event as the 97^th annual show; it is simply the 97^th show.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture