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Pennsylvania Farm Show facts for kids

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Pennsylvania Farm Show
PA Farm Show keystone.png
Genre Agricultural exposition
Dates 6–13 January 2024
Frequency Annually
Venue Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
Location(s) Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Years active 1917, 1919–1941, since 1946
Organized by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Website Farm Show Website
Governor Wolf Attends Opening Ceremony for the Pennsylvania Farm Show (32130813346)
Governor Tom Wolf attending the Pennsylvania Farm Show, January 2017

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a super big yearly event. It celebrates all things farming and agriculture in Pennsylvania. This exciting show happens every January. You can find it in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is the largest indoor farming event in the whole United States! The building where it takes place is huge. It covers about 24 acres, which is like 18 football fields. Inside, there are 11 halls and three big arenas. The Farm Show is free to enter. Over half a million people visit it each year! The first show was in 1917. In 2021, the show was online only. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Happens at the Farm Show?

The Farm Show has more than 10,000 competitions. These events are in over 35 different areas. All the things you see are from Pennsylvania. They are owned, grown, or made by people living in the state.

Fun Competitions and Exhibits

You can see many different animals at the show. There are competitions for:

  • Draft Horses
  • Sheep and Wool
  • Pigs
  • Beef Cattle
  • Dairy Cattle
  • Dairy Goats
  • Poultry (like chickens)
  • Alpacas
  • Rabbits
  • Meat Goats

Farmers also compete with their crops. You can see contests for:

  • Corn
  • Small Grains
  • Hay & Straw
  • Potatoes
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Mushrooms

And there are even more fun things!

  • Maple Syrup Products
  • Honey and other Bee Products
  • Christmas Trees & Wreaths
  • Cheese

Hands-On Activities and Rides

Besides the competitions, you can try new things. The Farm Show offers hands-on activities. You can learn how to make lace. You can also try wheat weaving. Or even watch a blacksmith at work!

The show also has a cool old merry-go-round. It was made way back in 1946. You can see old farm equipment there too. Plus, you can check out the newest farming technology. It's a great place to learn about where your food comes from!

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