HARRISBURG, Pa. — After 100 years, the tradition runs deep, but the venue was new and the focus on the future for today’s opening of the 2017 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Future agriculture leaders and young people representing the state’s major commodity products joined Gov. Tom Wolf, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson and State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
“A year ago, we gathered to open the 100th Farm Show. That show was a celebration of a century of progress and achievement in agriculture. We recognized those memories and the tradition of this exhibition in our theme: Our Commonwealth’s Blue Ribbon Experience,” Redding said. “This year, we have retained that theme as we mark the 101st Farm Show as we turn our gaze toward the future of this incredible industry that helps to sustain us all three times a day at the dining room table.”
The Farm Show gives people an opportunity to learn more about the source of our food, who grows it and what it takes to bring dinner from the farm to the fork. Visitors can choose from hundreds of exhibits to learn about plants and animals, admire tractors and quilts and sample PA Preferred products and other tasty treats from the food court and other vendors located throughout the facility.
“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is an opportunity for all Pennsylvanians to better understand all aspects of agriculture in our commonwealth present and future. Most importantly, have a little fun,” said Gov. Wolf. “Growing up in South Central Pennsylvania, I know firsthand how important agriculture is to so many of our communities and citizens, who take tremendous pride in their work to make Pennsylvania a better place.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 7-13 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 $15 in Farm Show lots. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessible from nearby Interstate 81.
For more information about the 2017 show, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
