It had been a couple of years since I went to the Pennsylvania Farm Show.  After school activities, weather, and a full-time job had gotten in the way.  At least that's what I told myself.  I was ready to forego another year until my 13-year old daughter mentioned it.  I had taken her many times when she was younger and life was simpler (or so it seemed).  Evidently she had very good memories of the Farm Show.   And she wanted to go again.  After running out of legitimate excuses, and looking for something interesting to do on a quiet January weekend, we got up early this Saturday morning and headed to the Farm Show Complex.

We got there at about 9:30 am.   We paid the $10 fee and headed into the Elmerton Avenue Parking.   I have never been a fan of sattelite parking, but the lot was huge and there were ample buses.   The line to get on the buses was long but fast moving, and we got on quickly and took the short ride to the Farm Show complex, to be dropped off immediately in front of the entrance doors.  We headed in, and it was steady, but not crowded yet.  I had eaten breakfast hours earlier, but could not resist taking advantage of the short lines and we headed into the food court right away.   (Please note:   This blog is based on my personal experiences and observations, and I tried my darndest to and sample as many things as possible, there is only so much one person's stomach can hold!  I have tried to highlight dishes, but could not conceivably cover all of excellent foods offered - please feel free to post about the other wonderful food vendors at the show!)

It was only a little after 10 a.m. - not quite lunch, but definitely bunchtime, I told myself.  I headed straight  to get a fish sandwich.  They had tilapia and trout sandwiches, and I ordered a trout.    It was excellent, with a soft bun, and a perfectly cooked succulent piece of fish.   It hit the spot, and to me it was kind of like the Farm Show version of a bagel with cream cheese and lox in a Jewish Deli.  My daughter dug into pulled pork sandwich, as she had slept later and was starving because she had not eaten anything yet. 

 

 

 

Next we headed to the Maple Syrup Stand.    I had heard something about Maple Cotton candy on my friends Facebook page and had to try it.   I enjoyed the surprising flavor of maple syrup in cotton candy form.  The delicate strands melt in your mouth into the finest quality pancake syrup.  We could not resist the generous samples offered at the counter and enjoyed the maple cream.  (A non-dairy spread which is maple syrup whipped into a spread) and picked up a container for our breakfast toast for $8.75.    If you are interested in Pennsylvania Maple Production, you should consider going to the 9th Annual Maple Syrup Weekend in Northwest Pa. 

Next we headed to the mushroom stand.  I usually get the fried mushrooms, but I thought I would try something different this year. I ordered a cup of mushroom soup, and it was creamy, delicious, and really highlighted the delicate taste of the fresh mushrooms.   I would highly recommend it as a change of pace if you have never tried it.

Next we ventured into the stands behind the food court.    There were some garden displays, many commecial vendors, and a barn with cows, pigs, and chickens.  I admired

the display of chickens that were laying fresh eggs, in a slanted cage which presented the freshly laid eggs on a ledge.  I joked on how I wished I could take a couple of these unbelievably fresh eggs home, and the lady standing next to me laughed and said she was thinking the same thing! Admirably, the eggs were going to be donated to the Bethesda Mission.

Next we headed back through the food court to go to the other exhibition areas.  The lines were still sparse, and I knew they would be mobbed around lunchtime.  So I figured I would use the opportunity to snag some donuts to take home.   For only $4.00 for a half-dozen, I figured it would be well worth it.  It was.   Believe it or not, I had never had a potato donut at the Farm Show before.  Given their name, I thought they must be heavy starchy fried dough balls!   Quite the opposite.....as I held the the warm pastries in the bag, I decided to taste test one right away.   I bit into the lightly crisp outside into a soft pillowy cake, which was light, not greasy, and perfectly cooked. 

 

Can I just say........heaven?!!!     I am not proud of this, but let me just say that there was not one, but two donuts gone out of the bag when I returned home......

My daughter used my momentary weakness for fried dough to convince her to get a funnel

cake, which was also excellent, although the potato donuts will always hold a special

place in my heart!

 

 

After this food extravagana, we needed a break. 

So we visited the exhibition halls and viewed the cows, hog auction, sheep

and fowl sections, including seeing the incredibly cute baby duck slide.

 

 

We also saw beautifully canned goods, baked chocolate pastries, and quilts. 

Finally, after touring the building, we came across the food sampling section at the end of the large exhibition call.  We were stuffed but managed to find room for bite sized samples being handed out.  Although the stands there are too numerous to describe, I will touch on a few highlights.

 

First there was the maple bacon peanut butter - ummm.....interesting. 

As a fan of their beers, I did enjoy tasting Appalachian Brewing Company's selection of sodas, including White Birch Beer, Root Beer, and Ginger Beer.

 

 

 

 

I was glad to see Costas Candies there and doing well, since I am from Schuylkill County.  I've been eating their candy bars since grade school. Their peanut butter filled candy bars are delightful.

I picked up a few of the traditional flavors as well as their new vanilla flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In any event, we had alot of fun.   Our feet were tired but we had a great time.  On the way out, again, it was busy, but the ample bus train kept moving and the ride back to the parking lot was short.  I was glad I went.   Looks like I won't need to find an excuse next year - I will be looking forward to it!