Pa. Farm Show offers new attractions

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The 98th Pennsylvania Farm Show is slated for Jan. 4-11, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

The eight-day show, themed “Pennsylvania Farms: Growing for You,” features 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors.

Reception

The unveiling of the 1,000-pound butter sculpture is Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. The Pa.

Preferred Farm Show Reception Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m., features Pennsylvania-produced foods and beverages. Tickets for the reception are $35, and reservations close Dec. 16. Register online at www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

The 2014 Farm Show will feature new attractions, including: a free concert by country artist and Pennsylvania native Ben Gallaher Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; a rabbit hopping competition Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in the Small Arena; See celebrity chef Nadia G. on the Pa. Preferred Culinary Connection stage Jan. 4, at noon and 2 p.m.

Other attractions

There will also be several new food court items. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Farm Show milkshake.

Christmas in January features a new display of the state’s best live trees in the Main Hall.
There will be a dairy oxen demonstration Jan. 7, from 8-10 a.m. and noon-2 p.m.

Returning show highlights include cow patty bingo at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 7, in the Large Arena.

Purchase $25 squares for the chance to win $100 or PA Preferred prize packages. Proceeds support the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation. Call 717-787-5373 for tickets.

Also returning are the Celebrity Cow Milking Contest, Jan. 10, at 2:30 p.m.; the Great Grape Stomp; Celebrity draft horse team driving Jan. 7, at 6 p.m; “Today’s Agriculture” exhibit; and “Parade of Agriculture” Jan. 4, at 10:30 a.m.; Farm Show Detectives.

Admission

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs Jan. 4-10 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Jan. 11 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.