Governor Rendell Opens 89th Annual PA Farm Show
Equestrian News Release
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today
joined Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff and other dignitaries at the
Opening Ceremonies of the 89th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show at the Farm
Show Complex in Harrisburg. The Farm Show runs Jan. 8-15, from 8 a.m. to 9
p.m. daily and Saturday, Jan. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibitors and guests were entertained by performers from a variety of ag-
related industries including local musicians, talented draft horse teams,
agriculture royalty and members of agriculture youth groups such as the FFA
and 4-H. The State Police Ceremonial Unit Color Guard and Mounted Drill
Team were also showcased.
"I am so proud to kick off the largest agricultural exhibition in the
nation," said Governor Rendell. "This event is made possible by the hard
work of farm families throughout the Commonwealth. Resources available to
the agriculture community continue to grow. Farmers now have access to more
financial, educational and economic development programs than ever before.
The Farm Show highlights both the producer and the fine goods that they
grow, raise and create."
Farm families who received either Century or Bicentennial Farm awards
exemplify the theme of the show this year: "Celebrating Farmers and
Agriculture: The Heart of Pennsylvania." These families have demonstrated
100 and 200 years of progress in production agriculture. They have resisted
the temptation of selling all or parts of their land to developers, upgraded
their facilities to meet new standards and regulations and offer fresh farm
products to the community. Governor Rendell recognized some 30 farm
families who were presented with the state Department of Agriculture awards
during the opening ceremonies.
Giant Food Stores, LLC, was recognized for its commitment to Pennsylvania
agriculture and for being the first large food retailer to enroll in the PA
Preferred program. More than 100 Giant Food retail stores will now offer
more high-quality floral and food products with the PA Preferred label.
Giant joins hundreds of other Pennsylvania businesses that have enrolled in
the program, all of whom reap the benefits of increased food and
agribusiness product sales, resulting in increased employment opportunities
and a stronger state economy and agricultural community.
"Each of the Century and Bicentennial Farms families - both those recognized
today and those who will be recognized at local events throughout the
Commonwealth - deserve a great deal of praise for their commitment and hard
work throughout the years," said Governor Rendell. "Their dedicated efforts
ensure a prosperous future for agriculture and continued proud tradition for
Pennsylvania. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to visit the Farm Show to
experience competitive livestock shows, delicious baked potatoes, detailed
homemade quilts and more."
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in
America, covering 24 acres under one continuous roof. It is devoted
entirely to celebrating and promoting agriculture. This year, almost 10,000
animals, more than 270 commercial exhibitors, 8,000 competitive exhibits and
some 500,000 visitors will fill the Complex during the eight-day event. The
Pennsylvania Food Court features delicious food from Pennsylvania commodity
groups. Proceeds generated from these sales support the organizations for
their yearly programs, research and charitable activities. In 2004, these
groups sold nearly $1 million worth of food.
Competitive exhibits at this year's Farm Show include: horses, cattle,
sheep, swine, goats, rabbits, poultry, eggs, fruit, wine, mushrooms, apiary
products, Christmas trees, maple products, nuts, horticultural products and
vegetables. Competitive exhibitors will have the opportunity to earn more
than $330,000 in prize money during the show.
The 2005 Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from Jan. 8-15, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
and Saturday, Jan. 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking
is $5 per car, including a shuttle bus service from the Elmerton Ave.
parking lot. Handicapped parking and access areas have been expanded and
can be found along the South and North entrances of the Complex, in front of
the Large Arena and in the Elmerton Ave. lot. For more information, visit
http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/ or call (717) 787-5373.
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