HARRISBURG – Young visitors to the 2014 Pennsylvania Farm Show are encouraged to participate in the interactive “Farm Show Detectives” learning program.
The detectives can participate in fun learning activities like investigating the role of bees in food production, measuring their height in horse hands and learning how sap becomes maple syrup.
The eight-day show runs Jan. 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
“The Farm Show Detectives program has become a favorite for families and school groups visiting the Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Children use a special map to guide them to interactive learning stations where they discover where their food comes from. It’s a great way to experience the show.”
Visitors can pick up an official Farm Show Detectives map and enter to win prizes sponsored by Turkey Hill at the Department of Agriculture booth, now located in the Maclay Street Lobby. Use the map to visit learning stations located throughout the complex. Drop off completed maps at the department’s booth or at the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators booth in the Expo Hall.
The learning stations will feature 4-H, alpacas, apples, beef and veal, bees and honey, beetles and bugs, the butter sculpture, dairy, dogs, edible nuts, the environment, farm equipment, goats, horses, local food, logging horses, maple, mushrooms, pigs, poultry, rabbits, sheep, vegetables, veterinary medicine and the WoodMobile.
Detectives who visit at least 15 learning stations are eligible to win the grand prize – one year of free ice cream. Each day five winners receive Turkey Hill party packs and one takes home a cow or truck replica.
The stations are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 4-11, and until 5 p.m. Jan. 11.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, with 24 acres under one roof that feature nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. Admission is free and parking is $10. For more information, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
