Harrisburg, PA – The 2020 PA Farm Show is underway in Harrisburg, and we have a special look at the some of the food you can enjoy there and some of the exhibits and presentations you can watch.
CLICK HERE to see the 2020 PA Farm Show schedule.
If you are unable to see the 2020 PA Farm Show in person, you can also watch it on your TV on the PCN channel. CLICK HERE for PCN’s schedule of coverage.
What’s New at the 2020 Farm Show?
Foodie Heaven ─ Opportunities for a Flavor Swoon
New in the Food Court, PennAg brings you Chiques Creek Hemp Tea in 3 great-tasting, unique flavors – original, passionfruit-mint and peach-lemon-dandelion. Made with hemp seed oil, not CBD, for a new taste sensation made with PA’s hot new crop! PennAg will bring back Bell & Evans organic, gluten-free chicken tenders, adding a family value-pack to the mix.
Mushroom Farmers of PA bring you the Philly Port Sandwich – 100% Pennsylvania Portabella mushrooms seasoned with garlic, onions, salt, pepper and cheese – a plant-based, guilt-free alternative to cheesesteak, also available in vegan and gluten-free versions.
Never fear carnivores, PA Livestock Association will add gluten-free meatballs and a Sausage O’ the Day to their meaty line-up of favorites.
Fried Berry Oreos join the menu of sweet favorites like apple cider donuts, honey ice cream and funnel cakes.
It’s the Cider Competition’s third year, so you can sip a sample, including new categories of modern dry, modern sweet and dessert cider, and buy a cidery treat to take home.
Craft Beer ─ New in 2019, new classes were added for over 150 artisan-crafted brews. Now you can swig a sample of Best in Class, Best of Show and PA Preferred® Legacy Award winners.
Potato Candy, Nut Pies, Fruit Pies, Evercrisp apples add class(es) to food competitions.
Farmers Market debuted in Main Hall last year with take-home tastes of Pennsylvania brought to you by the PA Farmers Market Association. Find cheese, honey, maple products, potatoes, veggies, apples and more treats to take home.
Info-tainment & Excitement Opportunities
Fluffy Fun ─ The Rabbit Competition multiplies, bunny-style, with Siamese Sable Britannia Petites (tipping scales at only 2.5 pounds), Tan Belgian Hares and Black, Brown and Fawn Silvers. And the Dog Law Enforcement folks bring you AKC Meet the Breeds, Working Dog and Agility Demos – as far from the rabbits as possible.
Artisans Alley ─ A Quilt Trail and Tinsmith Michael Felk join all-star artisan lace-makers, spinners, wheat weavers, horse-hair braiders, potters, chair caners, wood carvers and more.
Avian Adventures — Fawn over frolicking fowl in the Water Fowl Habitat in the poultry area. Bantam and Tinted categories join the Egg Competition, and demos answer what separates good eggs from bad.
More youth will strut their stuff with new Poultry, Dairy Cattle, Breeding Sheep, Goats and Alpaca categories of Youth Showmanship!
Tractor square dancing isn’t enough fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat drama? Check out Chelee Warriors Mounted Archery demo for unparalleled athletic skill and equine beauty.
Low-Stimulation Shelters throughout the complex will offer a quiet, peaceful escape from crowds for those who have sensory challenges, or are just over-stimulated.
Lt. Governor John Fetterman and Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding hosted a tasting event to preview new items on the menu in the 2020 Farm Show Food Court.
“Pennsylvania produces some of the best food available anywhere,” said Lt. Governor Fetterman. “The groups who feed us during the Farm Show represent the producers who feed our families and our economy year-round. This is your chance to have some excellent food and support the future of agriculture while you’re at it.”
“This year’s Farm Show theme is Imagine the Opportunities,” said Secretary Redding. “The Food Court is a small slice of the every-day opportunities for consumers to support their neighboring farmers and contribute to a winning economy for Pennsylvania.”
Jessica Darr of PennAg Industries emceed the event and was joined by Gail Ferranto of the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania featuring their Philly Port Sandwich & Blended Burger; Margo Sechler of Bell & Evans featuring Parmesan Breaded Chicken & Mozzarella Meatballs; Dave Andrews of Kreider’s Dairy Chiques Creek Hemp Tea, Dave Smith of PA Dairymen’s Association featuring Grilled Cheese Stix & Milkshakes; Mike Firestine of the PA Livestock Association featuring Gluten Free Meatballs, Flying Porker and Sausage of the Day; and Chef Stephanie Gelbard, of Savor, the Farm Show Complex caterer, featuring the Smokey Cyclone and The Layer.
Sales of many of the items in the Food Court support the non-profit organizations that represent different sectors or producer groups, or educational activities for youth in agriculture.
“I’m so thankful to be a part of the Farm Show Food Court,” said PA Livestock Association President Mike Firestine. “In 2019, we were able to raise $46,298 to benefit youth who are a perfect example of the bright future of Pennsylvania agriculture.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 12,000 competitive exhibits, more than 5,200 of which are animal competitions, plus 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs January 4 – 11, 2020. Admission is free and parking is $15 in Farm Show lots. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessible from Interstates 81 and 83.
