Food vendor pulls out of farm show
At least one major food court vendor announced it is pulling out of the Pennsylvania Farm Show amid concerns about the health of farmers and volunteers with COVID-19 infection rates on the rise.
In a statement to its members, PennAg Industries Association said it will forgo hosting its food court booth. The agribusiness association runs one of the biggest food stands and sells an expansive menu of pulled pork, trout sandwiches, chicken tenders, chocolate chip cookies and hemp tea.
PennAg said the decision was based on current health concerns, anticipated spikes in illness, shortages of staff and space at medical facilities, and the sheer nature of the enclosed Farm Show atmosphere. The organization relies on about 400 people to run the booth throughout the week.
“This decision has not been made without careful thought and consideration, and it has weighed heavily on the minds of the PennAg Board of Directors and staff for weeks, as to how we could host the booth productively and efficiently, while mitigating health risks,” read the statement.
The farm show, which kicks off noon Jan. 7 when the food court opens, is known as the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event. Over the span of eight days, the show near Harrisburg celebrates the state’s agriculture industry with tractor square dancing, sheep to shawl competition, butter sculpture, milkshakes and animal competitions.
Many are applauding the return of an in-person event after the 2021 iteration was held virtually, despite concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant. Others are taking a more cautious approach.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has said it is moving forward with plans to host the show, although spokeswoman Shannon Powers said they expect lower attendance than past years.
The event potentially could be on a collision course with what may turn out to be Pennsylvania’s worst COVID-19 surge so far. Cases have been on the rise since mid-summer, with hospitalizations this month nearing the peak, which came in December and January of a year ago. Deaths, however, remain well below the previous peak, with the difference attributed to COVID-19 vaccine, which is proving highly effective at preventing severe illness and death.
Gov. Tom Wolf has said he doesn’t plan to require face masks or proof of vaccination for farm show attendees.
“The strategy is to get the vaccine,” Mr. Wolf said. “We have it within our power to get the vaccine. Get the vaccine.”
The farm show, which typically precedes what turns out to be peak flu season in Pennsylvania, is known as a place where the flu and other winter illnesses spread. The state Department of Health plans to offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines every day during the show.
Dr. John Goldman, a UPMC infectious disease specialist, said the risk will be especially high this year because of COVID-19 and the new, more contagious omicron variant. However, as of last Friday, he wasn’t recommending cancelation of the show.
“I think it is a clear risk. But I also don’t think there is any kind of desire to cancel a big event like the farm show. People want to go back to their lives,” he said. “And I do think there are things, if you’re going to go to a big indoor event like that, you can do to keep yourself safe. Be vaccinated. Be boosted. Be masked.”
The agriculture department said it is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and recommending visitors wear face masks. Signs will be posted throughout the complex advising visitors to wear masks and face masks will be made available for free, Ms. Powers said.