Despite $6 milkshakes, Pa. Farm Show drawing crowds
Caption: Mariah Watts, York, competes in the barrel race as Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association members hold their rodeo at the 2023 Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA, Jan. 6, 2023. Photo credit: Mark Pynes/pennlive.com
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2023/01/07/pennsylvania-farm-show-harrisburg/stories/202301070081
On Saturday’s opening day, visitors flocked to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg for milkshakes, sheep judging and high school rodeo. By mid-morning, the facility’s main parking lot was full and by the afternoon a few of the auxiliary lots had closed, a barometer of the brisk attendance.
Inside, it was crowded as visitors navigated hallways and choke points to various attractions.
“We’re back in full force,” said Russell Redding, the state secretary of agriculture. “It has all the dynamics of the 2020 show." Mr. Redding said he could gauge the crowd size by the number of students and families watching the animal judging in the arenas.
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It was a striking contrast to the past two years. The Farm Show was held virtually in 2021, and while last year’s show was in person, attendance was down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Farm Show runs through Jan. 14 with the theme “Rooted in Progress.”
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While the Farm Show is partly tradition with standbys such as animal judging, apple pie judging and cooking demonstrations, new exhibits always add to the mix. This year, baby goat snuggling by Steinmetz Family Farm in the New Holland Large Arena appears to be the hot attraction. It costs $5.
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I don't remember seeing this event, but it's been probably 30 years since I attended the Farm Show.
Harrisburg is probably a good 4 hours' drive for me (from Pittsburgh) and I normally stay put until mid-March.
I don't venture out of the house much in January or February.
But I do remember that the PA Farm Show has lots of interesting exhibits and ... Funnel Cakes!
I'll never forget the awesome funnel cakes!
and Brown Brothers.
I know right before the pandemic, we had all talked about actually driving out there and staying a couple days (we're about 2 hours from Harrisburg) but then obviously the pandemic ditched that idea.
I usually watch it on cable since PCN usually shows it and we get that channel on Comcast. Their website is here - https://pcntv.com/
Their Farm Show page - https://pcntv.com/farm-show/
I like how the camera people walk around and show different events...