The show begins with the Farm Show Reception on Jan. 8 that will feature stations offering tastings of Pennsylvania-produced beverages and foods prepared by the Pennsylvania Iron Chef Team. Tickets for the reception are $25. Registration and payment are due by Dec. 18.
Additional show highlights include:
o Culinary Connection -- In addition to cooking demonstrations by the Pennsylvania Iron Chef Team, celebrity chef Eli Kirshtein from television's Bravo! Top Chef Las Vegas competition and the "World's Fastest Omelet Maker" Howard Helmer will delight visitors.
o Farm Show Detectives -- Young visitors can investigate Pennsylvania agriculture by visiting 21 learning stations around the complex that will offer hands-on lessons and activities.
o Celebrity Cow Milking Contest -- Always a crowd-pleaser, the contest will feature acting Secretary Redding competing with players from the professional indoor football team, the Harrisburg Stampede, local TV personalities and state legislators.Â
o Legislative Dairy Showmanship Contest -- State legislators will partner with Farm Show dairy exhibitors to test their dairy showmanship skills. A reception will follow the competition.
o Energy Exhibit -- In its fifth year, the renewable energy exhibit will highlight well established and exciting new alternative energy sources that are helping to lower energy costs for families and businesses, clean the environment, and strengthen Pennsylvania's national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
o Family Shows -- New this year are a puppet show and a Broadway musical series to share the agriculture story in a fun, engaging way for visitors of all ages.
o Food Drive -- The Agriculture Department, Pennsylvania FFA Alumni and Pennsylvania FFA Association will host a food drive as part of the FFA Mid-Winter Convention on Monday, Jan. 11. Visitors are invited to donate items to be distributed to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
o Farm Show Favorites -- The annual butter sculpture, Sheep-to-Shawl contest and the high school rodeo will be featured attractions, along with the many baking contests that, this year, including a sticky bun competition.
o Food Court -- The Farm Show's sprawling food court will feature delicious favorites like milkshakes, chicken, beef, pork, mushrooms and potatoes.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs Jan. 9 to Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is $10.
For a complete schedule of Farm Show events or to make a reservation for the Farm Show Reception, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us and select the tab for "2010 Show."
