By Blake Jackson
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, and numerous state and local officials, along with current and future leaders of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, officially opened the 2026 PA Farm Show by cutting the ceremonial blue ribbon.
“Today, we celebrate an enduring symbol,” Secretary Redding said. “One not stitched in fabric, but from soil and sweat, from orchards and barns, from classrooms and city gardens, from the hands and hearts of people who care and persevere and believe in the promise of tomorrow. Today, we celebrate agriculture’s role in ‘Growing a Nation’.”
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Lisa Graybeal served as emcee for the opening ceremony, which featured the Pennsylvania State Police mounted unit, the Revolutionary New Philly Fife and Drum Company, Betsy Ross, a color guard from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the National Anthem performed by 14-year-old Carly Green of Schuylkill County, a winner of the 2026 PA Farm Show Star Spangled Sing-Off.
This year’s theme, “Growing a Nation,” highlights Pennsylvania’s vital contributions to the United States, showcasing the Commonwealth’s agricultural heritage that fed the early nation and continues to drive economic growth, innovation, and community development today.
“It feels exactly right to usher in the semiquincentennial year at the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the nation – alongside the people who feed our communities, care for the land, and keep Pennsylvania growing,” Coleman said.
“The Farm Show reminds us that our Commonwealth is strongest when we come together around the values and traditions that have shaped 250 years of American independence.”
During the ceremony, Secretary Redding and guests unveiled an America250PA-Semiquincentennial Bell, one of several Liberty Bell replicas across the state. Artist Cody Sabol of Pittsburgh painted the bell with a quilt design symbolizing the past and future of agriculture.
The bell will travel throughout the Farm Show Complex during the eight-day event, while a second bell will be available for visitors to sign at the America250PA exhibit.
The 2026 Farm Show - Pennsylvania State Fair - runs Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17, 2026, marking the official kickoff for America250PA celebrations commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Photo Credit: pennsylvania-farm-show
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy