All-American Dairy Show begins Saturday
The 50th All-American Dairy Show begins Saturday and runs through Thursday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
The show will feature nearly 3,000 of the top dairy cattle shown by 2,000 exhibitors from across the country and Canada.
Show week begins with several special events in celebration of the 50th anniversary, including dairy oxen demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A free country music concert with Greg Bates begins at 7 p.m. Saturday. A wine and cheese reception begins at 4 p.m. Sunday followed by a youth benefit auction at 7 p.m.
“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 firsthand 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.”
The 10th Premier National Junior Events, set for Saturday through Tuesday, are youth shows, contests and programs themed “Stars Shine Brighter in Harrisburg.” The opening ceremony 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. Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the remainder of show.
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 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets cost $30 and are available by calling 920-863-6333, emailing info@dairyshrine.org or at the All-American Dairy Show office.
The show will conclude with the selection of supreme champion cow and heifer at 2 p.m. Thursday.
The 55th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel in Harrisburg.
A complete show schedule is available online at www.allamerican.state.pa.us.