The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show’s opening day on Saturday started bright and early for many visitors.
Carrie Shreve of Derry Township and her granddaughter Macie Lilley, 9, of Harrisburg, arrived at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg at 7:30 a.m.
“It took barely anything to get in here. We parked in the main lot,” Shreve said. “I never missed a Farm Show in my entire life.”
The two started their day with a breakfast of champions — potato doughnuts and milkshakes — before following their annual tradition of taking in the opening day sights.
Visitors have eight days to attend the Farm Show, which runs through Jan. 17 under the theme “Growing a Nation.” Admission is free and parking is $15.
Judging by Saturday’s crowds, the show is off to a robust start. By mid-morning, the complex’s hallways were crowded with visitors. Outside, the main parking lots filled up as traffic was stacked, but moving along Cameron Street.
Among those preparing for the rush was Mike Wolfe, owner of Wearhouse Sales. He noted Saturday is the biggest day of the week because people have off from work on the weekends.
The booth outside of the New Holland Arena carries Western wear and accessories including belts, bags, shoes and denim from popular brands like 7 For All Mankind.
“Forty-five years in this business and this is our best show all year without a doubt,” Wolfe said. “This is a phenomenal show.”
Visitors on Saturday likely noticed the show’s patriotic theme, from the butter sculpture depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence to red, white and blue Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association milkshakes.
Politicians and dignitaries gathered for an opening ceremony featuring a nod to the nation’s 250th birthday with a Revolutionary New Philly Fife & Drum Company and a Betsy Ross impersonator.
“Pennsylvanians shaped what this country became and agriculture has always been at the heart of that story,” said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA.
At the Visit PA booth in the Main Hall, Brand Ambassador Alessandro Ricchiari was promoting the state’s tourism, including a slew of events scheduled throughout the state this year. The events include the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia and the nation’s 250th birthday celebration on July 4.
“People here love PA so much that why not know about these events here that are going on,” he said.
Visit PA’s booth features a selfie station highlighting Pennsylvania and a passport game that gives visitors a chance to win a 2026 Pennsylvania tote bag.
Natalie and Eric Wenger, of Sharon, and their daughter Shannon Wenger, of Upper Allen Township, stopped at the booth during their visit.
The Wengers visit the show every year on opening day. This year they arrived at 7:25 a.m. and purchased milkshakes, saw the animals and visited the butter sculpture.
Natalie and Eric Wenger said their daughter started the tradition about four years ago.
“We are not farmers, but we live in an area that has a lot of farmers,” she said. “It is amazing. We’ve grown such a respect for farmers in our community.”
