Our friend and neighbor George White and his wife Marie compete in the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest midwinter agricultural exhibition in the nation. We asked him for a report. Here it is:
We departed for the 95th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show on Sunday, Marie’s Angel Food cake in hand for the contest. This was our 20th annual trip to the Farm Show. After registering the cake (66 entries this year), our first stop was the Pennsylvania State Grange booth for a discussion of the Grange’s legislative agenda with state president Carl Meiss. The Grange is firmly opposed to Sunday hunting and to closing the state-owned wine and liquor stores.
Next we walked through the food vendor area, tasting product samples. We bought several items that we enjoyed, including a white bean soup mix, spices from the Spice Man, and our annual supply of maple syrup.
Back at the contest Marie and her competitors from this area were catching up, giving me a chance to wander the hall. The crowd consisted mostly of families. The kids really enjoy the indoor merry-go-round, and DEP has a hands-on exhibit that teaches children and adults activities that are good for the environment. Shaver Creek Environmental Center has talks with all types of critters, including owls and snakes; the kids love it. A high point for me was free sample cups of ice cream from Turkey Hill.
Marie and I then went to the Culinary Stage to watch the chefs. Young adults attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology had to make a dish from secret ingredients in 35 minutes. They were really good and fun to watch. Anyone who watches “Chop” on the food network can relate to the pressure and stress.
Our last stop of the long day was the Food Court where we had to decide what to eat before departing for home. I did want to get some potato donuts, but the line was completely across the court area, so we settled for a grilled chicken sandwich and chocolate milk.
We expect to make another trip on Tuesday. You just can’t see the entire show in one day. Marie had no luck with her angel food cake, but two years ago she took the Grand Champion prize in the entire state for her chocolate cake.
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