HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) \u2014 The Pennsylvania Farm Show is giving residents a chance to start the state\u2019s biggest agricultural celebration on a high note, literally.<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has opened its annual \u201cOh, Say, Can You Sing?\u201d contest, calling on residents of all ages to submit a video audition for a chance to sing the national anthem live at the 2026 PA Farm Show, set for Jan. 10\u201317 in Harrisburg.<\/p>\n
Each morning of the event, one chosen performer or group will sing \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner\u201d to kick off the day\u2019s festivities. Contest winners could also be invited to perform at special events and competitions during the weeklong state fair.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Farm Show\u2019s theme, \u201cGrowing A Nation,\u201d highlights Pennsylvania\u2019s role in cultivating both agricultural success and patriotic pride. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the contest is a fitting way to honor the state\u2019s legacy as the birthplace of American democracy.<\/p>\n
The contest is open to all Pennsylvania residents, both individuals and groups. Participants can enter by emailing a YouTube link of themselves singing the national anthem, without instrumental backing, to agcontests@pa.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2025. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, fans can vote on their favorite entries through Facebook reactions on the Pennsylvania Farm Show\u2019s official page. Twelve finalists will be chosen, with each performer assigned a day to sing live at the event.<\/p>\n Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Winners will receive a free parking pass and must arrive at the Farm Show Complex by 7:30 a.m. on their scheduled day to perform live at 8 a.m.<\/p>\n Full contest details and submission rules are available at farmshow.pa.gov<\/a> and on the Farm Show\u2019s Facebook page.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n