PENNSYLVANIA — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently unveiled the lineup of singers who will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” daily and at special events during the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show in 2024. The announcement followed a social media contest, ‘Oh, Say Can You Sing?’, which saw 13-year-old Thea Sten from Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, emerge as the winner.
Thea received the most votes on social media among the 25 finalists selected by a panel of judges from 55 participants across Pennsylvania. As the winner, she will lead the opening ceremony with a live performance of the national anthem at 10 a.m. on January 6, 2024.
The Greater Harrisburg Sweet Adelines Chorus will set the stage for the day with a live performance from the GIANT Expo Hall in the PA Farm Show Complex at 8 a.m.
Secretary Redding highlighted the significance of the Farm Show’s theme for 2024, Connecting Our Communities, which aims to celebrate the agriculture industry’s best and what unifies us. He noted that the performances of the Star-Spangled Banner by Thea and other talented singers from across the state would underscore this theme of unity and pride in the commonwealth and the country.
Every morning from January 6-13, 2024, a contest winner will sing the national anthem at 8:00 AM in the GIANT Expo Hall. The performances can be heard throughout the complex and will also be featured live on the PA Farm Show’s Facebook page. Special events will also feature performances from contest winners, including Savannah White from Carlisle, Cumberland County, who will sing at the PA Preferred® Reception at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.
The 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show promises an exciting lineup of fan-favorite features. Visitors can look forward to the return of the iconic 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the popular Farm Show Food Court and Farm Market, sheep shearing demonstrations, lumberjacking contests, and hundreds of other competitive agricultural events. The show will also host cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection and offer over a million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities. This event is a unique chance for visitors to engage with the individuals powering Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
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