The 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg runs Jan. 10–17 and officially launches America250PA’s semiquincentennial events with the theme “Growing a Nation.” The weeklong exposition highlights Pennsylvania’s historic role in the nation’s founding and its modern leadership in agriculture, which supports roughly 600,000 jobs and contributes over $132.5 billion to the state economy. Signature attractions include the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the PA Preferred food court (preview Jan. 9), thousands of competitions, celebrity cooking demos, and hands-on education. Admission is free; parking at the complex is $15 per vehicle.
Pennsylvania Farm Show Opens America250PA Semiquincentennial With Theme “Growing a Nation”
The 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show will open Jan. 10 and run through Jan. 17 in Harrisburg, serving as the official kickoff for America250PA’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebrations. The annual event shines a spotlight on the state’s historic role in the founding of the United States and on modern Pennsylvania agriculture’s contributions to the nation.
What To Expect
This year’s theme, “Growing a Nation,” reflects the central role farming and food production have played in shaping American history and the economy. The Farm Show takes place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center and typically draws about half a million visitors over eight days.
“America was born in Pennsylvania, with its identity deeply rooted in agriculture,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Two hundred and fifty years later, Pennsylvania agriculture is still leading our nation, supplying the economic power, ingenuity, and innovation that is growing our nation’s future.”
Officials note that Pennsylvania’s agriculture and food industry supports roughly 600,000 jobs and contributes more than $132.5 billion to the state economy, including over $4 billion in agriculture and forest product exports.
“America250PA is proud to partner with the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation,” said America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman. “For generations, Pennsylvania farmers—whether under the summer sun or by the light of a harvest moon—have done the work that helped the American experiment grow and thrive for 250 years.”
Highlights and Family Activities
The Farm Show features signature attractions such as the famous 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the PA Preferred food court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, celebrity cooking demonstrations rooted in local ingredients, and hands-on agriculture education for visitors of all ages. It is designed as both a lively public festival and an educational showcase for modern agricultural innovation.
Logistics
Show hours are Jan. 10–17, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, except Jan. 11 (8 a.m.–8 p.m.) and Jan. 17 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Admission is free. Parking in Farm Show Complex lots is $15 per vehicle. The PA Preferred Food Court in the Expo Hall opens for a public preview on Jan. 9 from noon to 9 p.m.
For the full schedule of events and updates, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/farm-show/pa-farm-show/daily-schedule.
