Apple farmers from Adams County are displaying their produce at the 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The show will continue this weekend.
Entries in the apple category include a long list of fruit samples from numerous growers competing for prizes. The format allows each grower to enter multiple varieties.
There are hundreds of submissions and dozens of blue ribbons have already been awarded.
The most prestigious award is “Best of Show,” won this year by Cory McCleaf of Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County.
The apple displays allow growers to remind consumers that apples are grown in Pennsylvania and not just in Washington State. “It is certainly our best opportunity to promote Pennsylvania apples,” said Phil Baugher from Adams County Nursery, Inc.
The apple exhibit is managed by the State Horticulture Association of Pennsylvania which represents the horticulture industry, mostly tree fruit and small fruit growers.
The Farm Show has exhibits of many crops, including potatoes, onions, mushrooms, Christmas trees, cut flowers, pork, poultry, and more. Many of the farm animal, dairy cows, steers, hogs, and horses are entered by 4H members and high school FFA students. These entries are also judged and awarded prizes.
The first Pennsylvania Farm Show was held in 1917 and is considered one of the largest indoor Agriculture Shows in the world.