Board Making the Farm Show A Year-Round Attraction

"We want to be known for more than just a week out of the year," Farm Show Board President Jeff Walason said of the Farm Show.

The Farm Show has now expanded into many different events throughout the year including spring and fall craft shows, the benefit auction, and cattle shows.

"We want to be accessible for the community to hold events, and give back," Secretary Angie Walason said.

One of the goals for the Farm Show is to bring back the benefit auction, which will be held on Saturday, March 25, which auctions off both new and used items from local donations and gift cards among a wide variety of items. If you are interested in donating some items, please contact a Farm Show Board Director.

Another one of the goals for Walason's presidency is the updates of the Red Kitchen, the kitchen outside that has served some delicious food during the Farm Show week for many years. Walason wanted to update the kitchen as is in pretty bad shape. Walason presented some options to the Board of Directors, and those ideas were sent to the Catharine Township supervisors, who gave Farm Show permission to use whatever design they chose.

"It's an easy decision for us," Catharine Township Chairman Heather Flaig said.

Walason hopes that the kitchen will allow more room for workers in the kitchen; plans are to have the kitchen ready by June of this year.

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Farm Show has been the craft show, the Spring Craft Extravaganza, born on a whim from COVID. This year's show, taking place Mother's Day Weekend, already has 56 spots sold. Those interested in a spot for the craft show are urged to contact Angie Walason at (814) 937-1446.

The Farm Show is set for Aug. 20 to 26 this year. Walason said the big news for the Farm Show is that there will be a carnival with rides again this year after public input. Following an agreement with the carnival company, in March, the Farm Show will be selling pre-sale tickets for the carnival rides.

Another big surprise for the community will be the first Micro Wrestling event happening on Monday night at the farm show. Micro wrestlers from Pigeon Forge, TN, will bring their athletic prowess to Williamsburg. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the door.

"We are really looking forward to this event because they do have quite a bit of a following in this area," Angie Walason said.

Another new event for the Farm Show this coming year will be "Buy and Donate." This event allows those who purchase livestock in the auction to donate the meat to the Central PA Food Bank. This is a new endeavor, most recently started in the Huntingdon areas.

"You're not only supporting a child with their livestock, you are supporting the food bank as well," Angie Walason said.

This year's theme for the Farm Show is "Growing the Future." The Farm Show is also looking for teens who want to be on the Jr. Fair Board to help give ideas on how to keep the fair fresh for the younger crowd. The Farm Show is already starting to collect applications for this year's Farm Show Queen. If you know of someone who is interested, please contact Walason at the above number.

"We just want to keep working with the community, and making our board work not only for just one year out of the whole year – but continually working with the community to bring great things here all the time," Walason said.