HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Young visitors to the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show can become "Farm Show Detectives" at 28 learning stations and investigate the role of bees in food production, measure their height in horse hands and learn how sap becomes maple syrup.

The eight-day show runs Jan. 5-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

"Farm Show Detectives use a special map to guide them to interactive learning stations where they discover where their food comes from," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "While having fun, they're also meeting the men, women and animals behind the state's leading economic driver. It's a great way to experience the Pennsylvania Farm Show."

The stations will feature 4-H, alpacas, apples, beef and veal, bees and honey, beetles and bugs, biomass, the butter sculpture, dairy, dogs, edible nuts, environment, farm equipment, farmland preservation, food safety, goats, horses, local food, logging horses, maple, mushrooms, pigs, poultry, rabbits, sheep, vegetables, veterinary medicine and the WoodMobile.

Pick up an official Farm Show Detectives map and enter to win prizes sponsored by Turkey Hill at the Department of Agriculture booth in the Main Hall. Use the map to visit the 28 learning stations located throughout the complex. Drop off completed maps at the department's booth or at the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators booth in the Expo Hall.

Detectives who visit at least 15 learning stations are eligible to win the grand prize – one year of free ice cream. Each day five winners receive Turkey Hill party packs and one takes home a cow or truck replica.

The stations are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 5-11, and until 5 p.m. Jan. 12.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, with 24 acres under one roof that feature nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. Admission is free and parking is $10.

For more information, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture