HARRISBURG – The 50th All-American Dairy Show will feature top dairy cattle shown by the best exhibitors in the nation from Sept. 7-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
“The All-American Dairy Show has grown into one of the leading national dairy shows and Pennsylvania is proud to have hosted this premier event for 50 years,” Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. “Come see first-hand the strength of Pennsylvania’s $2.3 billion dairy industry and unparalleled dedication of our farm families at the many shows and events held during show week.”
Nearly 3,000 animals and 2,000 exhibitors from across the nation and Canada will participate in the six-day event.
Show week begins with several special events in celebration of the 50th anniversary, including dairy oxen demonstrations from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A free country music concert with Greg Bates begins at 7 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday a wine and cheese reception begins at 4 p.m., followed by a youth benefit auction at 7 p.m.
The 10th Premier National Junior Events, set for Saturday through Sept. 10, are youth shows, contests and programs themed “Stars Shine Brighter in Harrisburg.” Opening ceremonies will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. This year’s event includes seven national shows culminating with the selection of Supreme Champion cow and heifer at 2:30 p.m. Monday.
The 16th All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show will feature treasures from all segments of the dairy industry, from farms to processing and retail. Show hours are 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. the remainder of show week.
The show’s most prestigious awards, the Obie Snider, Image and Pioneer awards, will be presented at the All-American Dairy Show “got milk?” banquet at 7 p.m. Monday.
The National Dairy Shrine will host its annual banquet Sept. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available by calling 920-863-6333, emailing info@dairyshrine.org or at the All-American Dairy Show office.
The All-American concludes with the selection of supreme champion cow and heifer at approximately 2 p.m. Sept. 12.
The show caps off with the 55th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel in Harrisburg.
For a complete schedule, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us.