(The Center Square) – Founding father Benjamin Franklin paused his tour of the commonwealth’s classrooms to visit the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg Thursday.
The statesman joined Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding in leading a preview of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event.
The Farm Show is the first major tourism event of many planned throughout the state this year coinciding with America250. The agricultural fair is an early test of the state’s readiness amidst a tense political backdrop. Over half a million visitors will generate millions in revenue over the course of eight days.
“This year in particular, commemorating agriculture’s role in the life of our nation makes these eight days an even more meaningful opportunity to foster understanding, positive relationships, and connections with the men and women who grow our food each day,” said Redding. “Bringing Americans of all walks of life together in this great million-square-foot classroom is the best way I know of to explore where we have been, and where progress in Pennsylvania agriculture is taking us.”
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme is “Growing a Nation.” Exhibits highlight farmers’ roles in creating a foundation for Pennsylvania to transition from British colony to U.S. state. In addition to the usual vendors, animals, and locally produced food, visitors will have a chance to explore history.
“I applaud my fellow Pennsylvanians for this noble tradition of bringing the citizenry together to foster education and understanding. This is the path to civil discourse, understanding, and ultimately, Growing A Nation,” said Franklin. “By understanding each other, we create a fertile ground for solving our collective challenges and the pressing problems of this day and the days ahead, as our nation embarks upon the next 250 years.”
Among the exhibits will be education about the state’s agricultural products, from textiles like hemp, flax, and even Angora rabbits whose wool is spun into soft, lightweight yarn. Culinary students and local chefs will once again be cooking and teaching at the PA Preferred stage headed by Chef Kurt Wewer.
A mural constructed entirely of apples in the shape of the state of Pennsylvania commemorating 250 years was revealed. Franklin noted that his fondness for Pennsylvania apples was so great that his wife shipped barrels of them to him while the diplomat lived in London. He also noted he was glad that the turkey he famously advocated for was not selected as the national bird, allowing him to continue eating it.
Turkey legs are among the fair’s offerings, alongside its famous milkshakes, pierogies, and potato donuts. The state’s Future Farmers of America are providing a new pickle pizza, while items including acai bowls and lion’s mane mushroom coffee make their debut.
Presenters are also offering a look inside the state’s agriculture industry, encouraging visitors to consider regenerative farming practices even on a small scale. One exhibit will include Native Americans demonstrating indigenous farming techniques, while others will highlight urban farming.
All together, the state’s farming industry puts $132.5 billion into the state’s economy annually and supports nearly 600,000 jobs per the Department of Agriculture.
