Celebrate and experience PA’s agricultural industry’s heritage, innovations, and bright future at the 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show. Kicking off on Jan. 7 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg with the theme “Rooted in Progress,” this year’s agricultural extravaganza – the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation! – is one you won’t want to miss, especially all those delicious and taste-tempting Farm Show foods and beverages made fresh from PA farm products!
New this year, parking and the food court will be cashless. (Visa, Mastercard, credit/debit cards, as well as Visa and Mastercard pre-purchased gift cards will be accepted.) Also new to the farm show this year:
1. Lovin’ me some llamas!
While alpacas are a perennial and fluffy Farm Show favorite, llamas and their mamas are set to take the 2023 Farm Show by storm! For some wacky fun, their alpaca aunties will be dressed to the nines in a costume contest. Check out the wooly camelids in the Equine Arena on Tuesday and impress your mama or auntie by knowing how to tell the two apart! And, of course, selfies with an alpaca are a must!
2. Moo U
Ever wonder how all those wondrous, delicious, and super-nutritious milk beverages get from the cow to the dairy case?! Get an in-depth education at Destination Dairy and “Moo U” in the Northeast Exhibit Hall (home of the Calving Corner birthing center). With hands-on activities for kids of all ages and guided by veterinarians, educators from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and the Dairy Excellence Foundation, you’ll learn the science and technology behind modern dairy farming – a super fun way to experience STEM in action.
3. So You Want to Be a Farmer
Thinking about ditching the corporate life for the peaceful and bucolic beauty of a farm?! Providing fun for all ages, visit the expanded, interactive, and informative “So You Want to Be a Farmer” exhibit in the Main Hall to learn what it takes to succeed in today’s agricultural environment. Here you can pick the brains of professionals, including experts from PA’s new Agricultural Business Development Center, PASA Sustainable Agriculture, the Rodale Institute, and the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance – your destination to feed your progress!
4. Some Green Thumb Fun
Looking for some new ideas to expand or change up your flower and veggie gardens? Visit the GIANT Expo Hall’s Conservation Exhibit for the latest innovations and info on raised-bed gardening, growing giant sunflowers (perfect selfie spot!) – a prime destination for bees and birds, watch the popular rainfall simulator in action, and learn about the newest, innovative equipment for your little slice of gardening paradise.
5. Food Frenzy
For something new every day, indeed almost every hour, the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection stage in the Main Hall is the place to see Pennsylvania’s most talented chefs prepare their masterpieces, literally from “soup” (Stromboli) to “nuts” (Reese’s peanut butter crunch burger). Watch some “sweet” demonstrations on the art of maple syrup production and honey extraction; and have fun saying “braised red cabbage rosemary spätzle” three times fast! Sample the celebrity recipes, grab a recipe book, and get inspired for your own PA farm-to-table culinary adventures. Ready to spice up your traditional New Year’s pork and sauerkraut? How about with maple hoisin glazed pork belly, gochujang sweet potato puree and pickled vegetables?!
6. Party Hearty with a New Milkshake Flavor!
It’s party time at the milkshake stand as the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association celebrates its Platinum Jubilee with a brand new and delicious Orange Cream milkshake! Along with its traditional Farm Show legen-DAIRY milkshake flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and mixed, the new orange cream is the perfect way to celebrate and honor the association’s birthday and its seven decades of support and advocacy for PA’s dairy farmers.
7. Stop by visitPA!
Want even more Pennsylvania-fueled fun? Stop by visitPA’s booth in the Main Hall to learn everything our beloved commonwealth has to offer throughout the year. From blooming gardens to food trails, we’re in the know about all things agriculture and can help you fill your 2023 calendar with weird and wonderful activities that are perfect for all ages!
To view the full PA Farm Show schedule, visit the PA Farm Show website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.