HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s signature agricultural spectacle is stepping onto the national stage as the official launch of the state’s America250 celebration, blending history, innovation, and food in what organizers are calling one of the most ambitious Farm Shows ever staged.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin led a preview tour Thursday of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, unveiling must-see exhibits, competitions, and culinary experiences that will anchor the eight-day event when it opens Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.
The 2026 theme, Growing A Nation, highlights Pennsylvania’s role in shaping the United States through agriculture, from colonial roots to a modern industry that supports nearly 600,000 jobs and pumps $132.5 billion into the state’s economy each year.
“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is reason to celebrate every year,” Redding said during the tour. This year, he added, recognizing agriculture’s place in the nation’s story makes the show “an even more meaningful opportunity” to connect Pennsylvanians with the people who grow their food.
The Farm Show also serves as the kickoff of America250PA, the statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The initiative celebrates Pennsylvania’s place as one of the original 13 colonies and its continuing contributions to democracy, industry, and innovation.
In a theatrical nod to history, Franklin joined the tour, praising the Farm Show’s 110-year tradition of bringing farmers and consumers together to foster education and understanding, a theme that mirrors the show’s 2026 focus on civic unity and shared purpose.
Among the new and returning attractions previewed were A Walk Through Penn’s Woods, showcasing how the state’s 17 million acres of forest generate $39.1 billion annually and support more than ten percent of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing workforce, and the New Pennsylvania Homestead exhibit, which explores the booming homesteading movement with hands-on lessons in vermiculture, greenhouse building, and heritage food preservation.
Food will once again be a centerpiece, with the Pennsylvania Charcuterie Revolution and the PA Preferred Culinary Connection bringing together celebrity chefs, culinary students, and farmers to spotlight Pennsylvania wine, cheese, meats, honey, maple products, potatoes, and mushrooms. The popular PA Apple Growers Apple Wall is also returning as a visual centerpiece and tasting destination.
Fans of fiber arts can catch Fantastic Fiber and the Angorapalooza competition on Saturday, January 11 at 5 p.m., where youth spin angora rabbit fur into yarn in a fast-paced judged event.
The America250PA Mobile Experience will let visitors test their Pennsylvania knowledge through trivia and a retro-style video game while meeting representatives from iconic Pennsylvania food brands.
The preview tour wrapped with a look at the Farm Show Food Court, which opens Friday, January 9, from noon to 9 p.m., a day ahead of the show’s official opening. Food purchases support grower organizations and youth scholarships, with a full menu available at farmshow.pa.gov under the 2026 Farm Show.
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from Saturday, January 10 ,through Saturday, January 17, featuring more than 5,000 animals, over 12,000 competitive entries, 250 commercial exhibits, and hundreds of educational and entertainment events. Admission is free, with parking priced at $15 per vehicle. Schedules, maps, and event details are available at farmshow.pa.gov under the 2026 Farm Show.
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