On January 7th, 2025, Cedar Cliff’s Journalism class took a field trip to the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, formerly known as the PA State Farm Show Arena and informally referred to simply as the Farm Show, is considered the largest indoor exposition dedicated solely to promoting agriculture. For farm families, the show honors and validates their way of life. This annual event showcases the quality of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and the people who make it thrive.

Ms. Bolen, an English teacher at Cedar Cliff, took her Journalism class to the Farm Show for an educational field trip. The trip provided a meaningful way for students to learn about the history of the Farm Show. Mr. Burnham, the Art teacher, also brought his 5th-period class along with Ms. Bolen’s group. 

The trip lasted approximately from 11:45 AM to 2:15 PM, giving the students two solid hours to explore the PA Farm Show. Each student was required to write an article about the Farm Show, gathering information on its history and key facts.

During the visit, the students enjoyed roaming around and taking pictures. While the Journalism class focused on photographing and collecting details for their articles, the art class was tasked with sketching unique scenes from the Farm Show. The written articles from each student will be featured in the Cedar Cliff Newspaper under the CC Special News section.

Students from Ms. Bolen’s journalism class went on a field trip to the PA Farm Show on January 7, 2025. This field trip gave students the experience of becoming true journalists, investigating and finding a story completely on their own. In their assigned departments, students ventured into the Farm Show from the Maclay Street Lobby to find stories.

Before this field trip, the class was required to do preliminary research to better understand the history, cultural significance, and role the PA Farm Show plays in the economy and community. This research gave the students the necessary background information to walk around the show and recognize the meaning and significance of this event. Journalism requires preliminary research so a journalist can dig deeper to uncover the unknown and bring it to light.

While traveling through the event, students were also required to take pictures as they explored. This is because they needed a picture to attach to their stories to further enhance the reading experience for their audience. Some of their photos will also be used for a newsletter written by Assistant Principal Mrs. Lingle.

As the students navigated through the bustling aisles filled with vibrant displays and enthusiastic vendors, they discovered stories about farming practices, innovative agricultural technologies, and the personal journeys of local producers. By the end of the day, each student had gathered a wealth of information and photographs, ready to craft compelling stories that would inform and engage their readers.

Many people in Pennsylvania are aware of the Farm Show; it's one of the state's largest events where farmers from all over the state come together to show off their hard work. However, what many people may not know is that the Farm Show actually offers scholarships. Established in 1993, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to 395 applicants. The foundation aims to increase interest in the field of agriculture among young people in Pennsylvania through these scholarships.

It is important to note for anyone interested in applying that there are several requirements that must be fulfilled to receive the scholarship. To be eligible, the student must be a current or previous member of 4-H or FFA. You can apply to volunteer for either program on the organizations' respective websites. One final requirement for the scholarship is that the applicant must have exhibited in at least one of several shows. Students can work as a junior market steer, lamb, hog, or goat exhibitor, among other positions. The full list of exhibitions that qualify can be found on the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation's website.

Though it may take time to meet the necessary requirements for the scholarship, it is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on their college career. Along with the financial incentive, applicants will gain a lot of real-world experience by doing the required volunteer work to earn their scholarship, making this a great option for students—especially those interested in agriculture.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is well known for its famous milkshakes, and this year, they decided to add a new flavor: mint. Customers can enjoy chocolate, vanilla, or mint milkshakes from January 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. These milkshakes are made by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, which sells them to support the “Fill a Glass with Hope” partnership with the American Dairy Association North East and Feeding Pennsylvania.

The milkshakes cost $7 and can be found at the milkshake stands throughout the Farm Show. They are the top-selling items at the food court, and customers can even mix flavors. The Farm Show usually introduces a new milkshake flavor each year. Some past flavors have included salted caramel, orange cream, and black raspberry. The mint flavor has been a great and enjoyable addition to their limited-edition options.

The Agricultural Show was founded by William Penn in the mid-1600s, but milkshakes weren’t introduced until 1953. The original organizers, who came together to share their farming accomplishments, probably didn’t predict that one of the main attractions would be a milkshake. Farming was a major industry in Pennsylvania, and farmers were able to gain valuable knowledge to improve their skills. It’s nice to see how the event has evolved, now providing milkshakes and entertainment for the community.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is known all around the U.S. as the largest indoor agricultural event in the country. The 2025 show runs at the Farm Show Complex in Pennsylvania’s state capital, Harrisburg, from January 4th to the 11th.

By becoming a vendor, the Farm Show is a great way for small businesses to showcase their products and sell them to Farm Show visitors. Over two hundred businesses, like Pennsylvania Maple Syrup, Penn Shore Winery and Vineyards, are able to showcase their products and benefit from the Farm Show each year. Penn Shore Winery and Vineyards, located in North East, Erie County, is one of the many wineries that allow Farm Show visitors to taste their wines and find the one that suits their taste best.

Superior Sleep Experience, mattress retailer at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, said that their company reaches a large number of customers at different venues versus having a regular store. Their mattress company allows customers to test out mattresses and become educated about which mattress is right for them. The spokesperson for the mattress retailer said, “Showing at venues helps educate people on mattresses versus going to a mattress store and just laying on one.” This is one of the two hundred businesses that benefit from the Farm Show each year.

The First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo is a crowd-favorite Pennsylvania Farm Show event that brings people from across the state and beyond. "My favorite experience was definitely the rodeo," said Xavier Wade from Harrisburg, who attended his second rodeo with his mom. "Honestly, I think this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me."

Friday's performance brought a sold-out crowd of over 6,500. There was an energy in the arena like no other event at the Farm Show. Organizers of the rodeo say it's a stop on their circuit they always have marked on their calendars. Thousands cheered on competitors from around the country and from right here in Pennsylvania. The First Frontier Circuit Rodeo Finals will be held at the Farm Show Complex between Jan. 9 and Jan. 11. The event, which features this circuit’s top 12 cowboys and cowgirls, will start at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 and at 4 p.m. on Jan. 11. Competitors and organizers hope the rodeo will inspire the next generation of riders.

Saturday's final is already sold out, a positive sign for competitors who hope to continue to see their sport grow. In my opinion, it is a good experience to go with your family and friends. It would be fun and exciting to watch.

I interviewed Luke Speck, a rabbit showman who has been showing rabbits at the Pennsylvania Farm Show since 2019. “I got diagnosed with autism and social anxiety, then, in 2019 my mom got a rabbit from a breeder to help with my autism and social anxiety, and the breeder introduced me to the rabbit world,” he explained.

When asked about the competitions he’s won so far in 2025, he said, “Winning isn’t my biggest goal, it’s hanging out with the community, and building the community up, while supporting the youth. Since it’s a new year, I’m waiting to see where the year goes.” Speck went on to say, “Overall at the Farm Show, I won one of the biggest awards, Best in Reserve in the show. That means I won second place overall. The rabbit I won with was my netherland dwarf broken, named Gordon Ramsey.”

So, how long does it take him to prepare his rabbits for a show? Speck explained, “I work with my rabbits daily, so preparing them is almost an everyday process for me.” Then Speck explained, “I check and trim their nails every month, and I check for health concerns every day. When the shows are coming closer, I pay more attention to the smaller details. I spend about an hour to an hour and a half taking care of them daily.”

How does he manage to care for all the rabbits? “It takes a lot of time with the rabbits to understand their distant personalities, it helps me build a connection with the rabbits. My mother helps me with giving them food and water. It’s become a routine that I’ve gotten used to,” Speck said.

Sturdy, timeless, and absolutely iconic. Cowboy boots are a staple of US culture. Having originated from the west to midwest of the United States, these boots have been worn and improved upon for hundreds of years. Here at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, held from January 4th to 11th this year, cowboy boots are a very common sight, especially with several vendors offering the shoes for sale. But, are the Farm Show attendees wearing these boots for their practical use or just for show?

Data was collected from the Farm Show on the 7th this month to answer this question. To start, in the two hours this number was tracked, 188 people were seen wearing cowboy boots as they walked the premises. 100% of people interviewed claimed they wore these boots for their practical use. Not a single person claimed to have only worn them for the look, but 33.3% did say they were for practicality and fashion.

So how practical are they? Most of their design is specific to horse riding, made to easily sit in stirrups without slipping. The boots are designed for harsh wear, the tall sides meant to protect from things like water, brush, and other natural threats while riding horses. When asked about the practical side, one Farm Show attendee said the boots made it “easier to walk through the goat poo without getting it in the treads of your sneakers.” Several others simply stated that they were very comfortable. 

Locally it seems that these boots are destined to face piles of mud, hay, and poop, but as time passes by and more of these beautiful pieces of American history hit the runways, maybe that will change. See if a pair of cowboy boots are a good addition to your closet today 

There are hundreds of family-owned and locally-owned businesses that set up shop at the Pennsylvania Farm Show to promote their products and specialties. This year, vendors have seen a significant rise in patrons compared to previous years, and it shows. Many people come to fill the arenas to shop and enjoy things made by their local community.

To start, the vendor Christina Maser sells a variety of products, such as soaps, lotions, jams, spices, soup mixes, and sauces. They have been in business for 15 years. Everything they sell is 100% homemade, and their ingredients are grown and harvested by them. The business started out by making candles and has since developed into what it is today. They have been setting up at the Farm Show for seven years, with immense success each year.

Next, the company Wild Meats sells local, fine meats that you may not be able to find in stores. This includes alligator, boar, water buffalo, and much more. They source their meats from manufacturers but also raise their own farm animals. Their prices have remained the same for many years. They have been vending at the Farm Show for six years and have been in business for even longer.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a great place to find new, local businesses to support. The more people show up to the Farm Show and uplift these businesses, the more our community will grow and thrive.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show occurs at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center and runs from January 4 to January 11 this year. The show provides an outlet for farmers, families, and food lovers, and it is an anticipated event each year.

Over 500,000 people attend annually to enjoy the experience and promote new methods of agricultural production, food preparation, styles of dancing, youth entertainment, booths for college advertising, farm equipment and livestock auctions, and other engaging activities. An estimated $70 million is generated each year for Pennsylvania’s economy due to the Farm Show. Money raised contributes to funding education within Pennsylvania colleges, with a particular focus on honey bee research.

The PA Farm Show supports roughly 5,600 jobs and creates new job opportunities. Showcasing new, healthier, and more beneficial forms of agriculture has a positive impact on the environment and the income of local farmers. Learning more about how farmers work while participating in fun activities is a great way to understand the importance of effective farming and traditions within Pennsylvania. Partnerships of the Farm Show, like Feeding Pennsylvania, raise money for local food banks. The PA Farm Show benefits not only Pennsylvania as a whole but also Harrisburg, providing an amazing opportunity to learn, experience, and have fun.

The Farm Show is considered the main event in the state of Pennsylvania. From butter sculptures to beautiful plants and the humongous horses, it is regarded as the most social event where farmers and small businesses alike come together to share a part of their world. On January 7th, 2025, art and journalism students from Cedar Cliff High School collaborated to tell a story from a different perspective while admiring what the Farm Show has to offer.

When you want to bond with someone or a specific group of people, food can be a great starting point, which is why the food and snacks at the Farm Show are always the talk of the town. Milkshakes are something you can buy anywhere, but Farm Show milkshakes are unique for anyone who attends. These shakes have been made with love since 1953 and have gained more popularity with the introduction of a new mint flavor. This isn't just any mint flavor; it's high-quality, sweet, and refreshing to anyone who tries it.

“We sell lotions, soaps, jams, and spices—all made with love and completely homemade,” said the co-owner of Christina Maser’s business. Beef jerky, tomato sauce, and even bacon jams are unique to the Farm Show. Especially the bacon jams, which are mainly used for barbecues and contain natural flavoring. Now, in your opinion, you might feel this has nothing to do with you or that events like the Farm Show aren’t that important, right? Wrong. This is a social event for everyone in Pennsylvania, showing dedication and charisma through the work of our trusted farmers and small business owners.