Taking in the sights, sounds, smells of Pa. farm show

HARRISBURG - Maple syrup, pulled pork, cotton candy.

Honey ice cream, potato doughnuts, rib-eye sandwiches.

And, of course, the famous milk shakes.

"This," said Breanna Anderson, pointing with her fork to her surroundings. "The food court."

That's what it's about at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where thousands turn out each year for livestock competitions, shopping, and, of course, the eats.

On Saturday, young kids, reminiscing parents, and giddy teens filled the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg for opening day of the show. The smell of fried foods mingled with the tang of livestock. Crowds packed together, trying to weave their way through booths selling everything from bejeweled belts to pig-foot dog treats.

"Our moms used to bring us, and then when we had kids, we started bringing them," said Anderson, of Harrisburg, who was at the fair with her husband and two sons.

From the 1,000-pound butter sculpture to the sheep, horses, and cows, attractions draw families from across the state to make a tradition out of the tribute to Pennsylvania's agricultural industry. The eight-day event includes more than 13,000 competitive exhibits that stretch over 24 acres, according to organizers.

Admission is free. Opening day of the 100th annual event was hopping.

A father picked out a cowboy hat for his daughter, settling it on her head just so. A young woman in a bonnet fed bites of an apple to the child in her arms. A couple stood together, getting an on-the-spot treatment for their cowboy boots. One woman walked into the livestock area and sighed, "I grew up with this smell."

"It's something neat to do on the weekend," said Jamie Bretz, of Pennsburg.

He and his family were taking in their first-ever Farm Show. They had gotten only as far as pulled pork and chicken nuggets, but they said they already thought they might be back next year.

For competitors, the weeklong spectacle has extra meaning.

Standing amid the bustle, Conner Grim's Black Angus heifer slowly lowered herself onto the ground. Next to her, 9-year-old Conner and his family were settling in, too - their station complete with steaming Crock-Pots and a coffee machine to help get them through the week.

Conner's parents both raised animals growing up. Now that Conner is old enough, they are passing on their love of farming.

"We're literally starting again," his mother, Robin Grim, said with a smile.

On Sunday, the family will wake up around 2 or 3 a.m. to get to the Farm Show complex from their home in Thomasville, York County, early enough to clean, rinse, and dry the cows.

It's Conner's second year showing cattle, and on Sunday and Monday he will compete, first among other children for cows and showmanship, and then in an open show for all ages.

He enjoys the challenge.

"You got to make 'em listen," said Conner, looking over his shoulder at his four Black Angus cows. "You got to put a halter on them so when you show 'em, they're not crazy."

Robin Grim said her son has learned everything from public speaking skills to lessons about "nature and animals, life and death" in 4-H.

"It's a good way to raise kids. They have a good work ethic," she said. "It's a whole different type of kid, I think."

jmcdaniel@philly.com

610-313-8205 @McDanielJustine