Milkshakes, chicks and crafts The Pennsylvania Farm Show has a lot to offer

Officially, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a state fair.

But the Pennsylvania Farm Show, held each January, has nearly everything you would want at a state fair, all indoors.

The 2017 edition of the show wraps up today.

During the week, thousands of families and school groups from around the state will have made the trip by the time it’s over.

For crafters, bakers, and children interested in raising animals, it’s the state championship. For the rest of the Commonwealth, it’s a fun, if not hectic, day out with some great food.

Food

It’s arguably the main attraction of the show. The food options at the Farm Show emphasize quality over quantity. They’re operated by farming cooperatives like the PA Livestock Association, the PA Vegetable Growers Association, The PA Cooperative Potato Growers Inc., and the National FFA Organization.

By far the most popular item available is the milkshakes from the PA Dairymen’s Association. The ubiquitous cups can be seen all over the Farm Show complex.

Judging

Animal judging is a mainstay of the farm show. The ground level of the farm show complex is filled with pens where cows, horses, and small livestock animals patiently wait their turn.

This year was notable for the return of poultry animals. Birds were banned from last year’s farm show because of concerns over avian flu. Families welcomed back the duck water slide, a popular attraction.

Among the animal exhibitors, local entrants included Bull Run Farm in Lehighton and Kyle Hoppes of Crystal View Carriage Service. Both have taken home blue ribbons from the show.

Chris Botek of Crystal Spring Farm was on hand to defend his title as the top Christmas tree grower.

Crafters

It’s no surprise that the Times News area does well in the crafting and baking portions of the show.

Cathy Riotto does time-involved fiber crafts, and regularly takes home blue ribbon honors. Riotto has been called the ‘Martha Stewart of Rush Township.’

Susan Pekala and Claudia Hill of Monroe County displayed their award-winning gourd art.

Richard Vreeland of Slatington, despite being in his first show, took the best in show ribbon for crafts with a table that he built and burned intricate wood designs.

Locals also showed well in the seven baking contests that require them to use ingredients grown in Pennsylvania. There were prizes for best whoopie pie, angel food cake, chocolate cake, and thumbprint cookie.

Getting there

Today is the last day for the show.

The Farm Show Complex is located on Cameron Street in Harrisburg. On-site parking fills up early each morning, so you’ll most likely be directed to a nearby parking lot, where shuttles will take you to the show. Parking is $15. Admission to the show is free.