HARRISBURG, PA — Get ready to savor the heart and soul of Pennsylvania agriculture as the PA Preferred® Reception kicks off the highly anticipated 109th PA Farm Show! Happening Friday evening at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, this celebratory event is set to be a culinary and cultural showstopper, spotlighting the very best that Pennsylvania’s hardworking farmers and food producers have to offer.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding couldn’t have said it better. “The PA Preferred reception celebrates Pennsylvania’s best, and the hardworking Pennsylvanians who produce it,” Redding remarked. “Their supporters in the Shapiro Administration and General Assembly, and fans from across Pennsylvania come together to kick off their year over a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the PA-Preferred businesses who are Powering Pennsylvania families and economy.”
This extraordinary evening runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and offers an unbeatable chance to indulge in Pennsylvania-grown and produced food and beverages, all while uniting with fellow enthusiasts who support local agriculture and a stronger state economy.
Why the PA Preferred® Reception Matters
Beyond a night of good eats and local pride, the PA Preferred® Reception is about celebrating sustainability, community, and the farmers who power the state’s economy. PA Preferred, represented by the iconic yellow and blue logo, assures Pennsylvanians that the products they’re purchasing are locally grown, processed, and made by fellow citizens. Every dollar spent on these products stays within the state, bolstering local jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry—a key pillar of the economy.
The reception goes beyond being a showcase of food; it’s a commitment to fostering awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in powering Pennsylvania families and creating job opportunities. This event also provides a platform for showcasing businesses and producers who exemplify the best of local farming, food processing, and craftsmanship.
Event Details
Tickets to the PA Preferred® Reception are $40 for the general public and $20 for PA Preferred members. Military-veteran farmers part of the Homegrown By Heroes program can attend for free, underscoring Pennsylvania’s support for those who have served and now dedicate themselves to farming. Registration is required by December 28, offering attendees not just an evening of food but also beverages, parking, and an exclusive debut of highlights from the upcoming 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show, all included in the ticket price.
From heavy hors d’oeuvres to locally sourced beverages, the night promises an authentic culinary adventure made possible by the very people who embody the spirit of the Keystone State’s rich agricultural heritage. Businesses and organizations supporting the reception through sponsorship or product donations will also have their contributions prominently featured during the event.
A Multi-Day Celebration of Culinary Excellence
The PA Preferred celebration doesn’t end on Friday night. Over the following eight days, PA Preferred members and their locally crafted goods will take center stage on the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage at the Farm Show. Attendees will see celebrity chefs in action, including Philadelphia’s own Food Network star and Guinness World Record-holder Chef Jet Tila. With live demonstrations, appetizing samples, and recipes that champion farm-to-table diversity, this lineup will excite both aspiring chefs and casual food lovers alike.
Culinary school students from across Pennsylvania will also showcase their talent and creativity, meaning every demonstration brings fresh inspiration to your own kitchen. Grab a cookbook, explore new recipes, and start your very own farm-to-table kitchen experience with ingredients grown within the state.
The Ripple Effect on Local Agriculture
The PA Preferred® Reception is more than a night of indulgence—it’s a galvanizing force for Pennsylvania agriculture. By spotlighting local products and their makers, the event spurs pride in the farming and food industries while fueling economic growth. Events like this help local farmers and producers expand their reach, gain recognition, and build momentum to keep agriculture thriving in the state.
When you attend this event, you’re not just supporting a business—you’re investing in Pennsylvania’s future, bolstering a vital economy, and making a statement about the importance of local food systems. It’s about more than returning a dollar to Pennsylvania farmers. It’s about growing a resilient, sustainable food network that benefits everyone in the Commonwealth.
Join the Celebration
Mark your calendar, grab someone with a hearty appetite, and head to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex on January 3. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a loyal supporter of local businesses, or just someone looking to kick off the new year with an unforgettable experience, the PA Preferred® Reception is the place to be.
This isn’t just an invitation; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible bounty Pennsylvania has to offer. Support local, celebrate hard work, and savor a taste of what makes this state truly great. All roads on January 3 lead to Harrisburg. Will you answer the call?
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