Last hurrah for Farm Show and its visitors

For eight days, the Pennsylvania Farm Show features a jam-packed schedule with animal competitions, wine sampling, tractor pulls and plenty of fried foods.

The 2024 version is down to the final two days.

This year’s Farm Show runs Jan. 6-13 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Expo Center in Harrisburg under the theme “Connecting Our Communities.” The event is free, but parking is $15.

Much like a state fair, the Farm Show is the Keystone State’s largest agricultural event. Visitors encounter the sights, smells and tastes, from baby animals to tractor square dancing to gooey fried cheese cubes and batter-dipped vegetables.

Whether you’re a regular or new to the Farm Show, it can be hard to navigate the show’s schedule.

Here’s a bucket list of activities, events and foods you shouldn’t miss today.

Snuggle a baby goat

Steinmetz Family Farm in Berks County is back for a second year with goat snuggling. Its booth is bigger and better with more than double the number of goats. For $5, Farm Show guests can enter an enclosure with the goats and brush, pet, hold and cuddle the animals for as long as they want. Find it in the Main Hall.

Ogle the butter sculpture

In all its glory, the butter sculpture, created out of nearly 1,000 pounds of butter, welcomes visitors in the Main Hall. It’s a can’t-miss attraction, and truly represents everything Farm Show.

Sip at least one milkshake

No Farm Show is complete without sipping at least one milkshake. The

shakes are practically the official drink of the agricultural extravaganza. This year, the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association

is serving limited-edition salted caramel shakes, but you can also order vanilla, chocolate or mixed for $6 a pop.

Buy wine and craft beer

Yes, alcoholic beverages are a part of the show, from contests to samples. Saturday is the big day when the state’s top ciders, wines and craft beers are announced in the Main Hall. Also, you can purchase bottles of wine from more than three dozen Pennsylvania wineries throughout the course of the show, as well as craft beer.

Witness the miracle of life

Watch dairy cows giving birth at the Calving Corner, known as Pennsylvania’s dairy cow birthing center in

the Northeast Hall. Throughout the week, four different Pennsylvania dairy farms bring cows to the exhibit where visitors can view the live births and see the adorable calves. You can even help name the newborns.

Watch the Best Pork Belly Contest

Celebrate Pork Day with

a showdown of all cooking competitions happening at 1 p.m. at the PA Preferred Culinary Connection stage in the Main Hall. There, two Harrisburg area chefs — Ben Beaver of Ever Grain Brewing Co. in Hampden Township and Bryan Sanders of Mellie Bellies Southern BBQ in Highspire — will square off in the Best Pork Belly Contest.

DAN GLEITER — PENNLIVE.COM With Stuart Meixel weaving, at left, the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School “Emerald Egg Heads” team competes in the youth fleece to shawl competition in the Small Arena on Wednesday.

DAN GLEITER — PENNLIVE.COM Gov. Josh Shapiro, center, greets Farm Show attendees while visiting the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Behind him is U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. At right is Pa. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

SEAN SIMMERS — PENNLIVE.COM Zarah Hershberger snuggles goats at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg Jan. 6.

JIMMIE BROWN — PENNLIVE.COM A baby calf is born in the calving corner Jan. 6.

DAN GLEITER — PENNLIVE.COM Farm Show attendees greet Pa. State Police mounted patrol unit horses in the Equine Arena Wednesday.

DAN GLEITER — PENNLIVE.COM Gourd entries in the Main Hall Monday.

DAN GLEITER — PENNLIVE.COM North Mountain Art League work for sale in the Main Hall.