Reminiscing About the Pennsylvania Farm Show

A Visit to the Pennsylvania State Farm Show

                Being a Harrisburg native (well, full disclosure, I’m from Enola, but close enough!) the Pennsylvania Farm Show has always been a big deal. The animals, the food and the legendary Farm Show snow are something to look forward to every January.   I have gone over the years with grade school field trips, family outings and good friends.  And, even though we are now a little farther south, my husband and I still try to make a visit to the PA Farm Show every year.  This year, we had a chance to show my sister-in-law and her husband visiting from Pittsburgh around the largest indoor agricultural show in America, and on its 100^th anniversary no less! 

                I always enjoy seeing all the animals.  According to the official website, there were some 6,000 animals at this year’s event, and the Farm Show can host nearly a half a million spectators.  We saw horses, cattle, rabbits, goats, sheep and alpacas.  There were no live poultry exhibits this year due to concerns about avian flu.  Too bad, I always like to see the different varieties of chickens and marvel at how large some of the geese are.   But, safety is much more important so I am glad they took the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of serious disease.  Of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the food court!  Not only is the food tasty, but the show reminds us where much of our food comes from.  My must-haves are the breaded mushrooms and the ever-popular milk shakes.  They are a once-a-year treat that I look forward to every winter. 

The enormous amount of work and care that the families who present their livestock put into their animals is evident.  These are the best of the best and the care and pride is obvious whether it be a hobby or the way they make their livings.  It makes me thankful that we have so many hard working men and women in the agricultural industry to provide us with fresh local produce, meat and other products.   It makes me proud to be from Pennsylvania and, although we no longer see farm animals at Patton Veterinary Hospital, it reminds me that the original location of what was called the Red Lion Animal Hospital on Pleasant View Street in Red Lion started out as a large animal hospital way back in 1917 as did many early veterinary hospitals in my chosen profession. 

Alas, this year’s show has come to an end and with no snow this year!  Statistically, according to WGAL, 84% of all recorded Farm Show weeks have had snow, but this year remained clear.  If you missed this year’s show or are new to the area and have never been, keep it in mind for next January!

 This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.