Pennsylvania singers have a shot at opening the state’s largest agricultural celebration, as the 2027 PA Farm Show officially launched its annual “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” national anthem contest, Skook News reported. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding invited Commonwealth residents of all ages to audition for a chance to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” live each morning of the Farm Show, a tradition that serves as a powerful kickoff to the eight-day event.
A Platform for Pride and Tradition
The contest, a cornerstone of the Farm Show’s opening ceremonies, offers more than just a performance slot. Winners become part of the event’s daily ritual, beginning each day at 8 a.m. with a moment of communal pride. “Every morning at the Farm Show, we have an opportunity to come together as Pennsylvanians and Americans to celebrate the values, traditions, and people who make our Commonwealth special,” Secretary Redding said, according to the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s official announcement. This year’s theme, "Leading a Legacy," shows how the performance honors the generations of farmers and families who have built Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
The Schuylkill County Streak
For five consecutive years, from 2022 to 2026, a Schuylkill County singer has captured the most public votes in the contest, a remarkable streak of local talent that has become a hallmark of the competition. Skook News documented the run, listing the string of top vote-getters: Kalli Smith Gordon in 2022, Mia Bixler in 2023, Thea Sten in 2024, Cadence Kline in 2025, and Carly Green in 2026. Green, from Tamaqua, was the most recent to claim the honor, performing during the 2026 opening ceremony.
How to Enter and What Comes Next
Pennsylvania residents, whether solo artists or groups, must submit a YouTube link featuring an unaccompanied performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to [email protected]. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on November 22, 2026. A critical rule: the video must be originally recorded for this contest; any pre-existing recordings will be disqualified.
The process then shifts to the public. From November 25 through December 2, the Farm Show will post finalist videos on its Facebook page. The public will select their favorites through Facebook reactions—likes, loves, and wows will all count toward the final tally. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on December 2. On that day, the Farm Show will announce the 12 winners on Facebook and notify them via email with their assigned performance date for January 9-16.
For those selected, the commitment is early and absolute. Winners must arrive at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg by 7:30 a.m. on their assigned day to prepare for the live 8:00 a.m. performance. As a token of appreciation, each winner receives a complimentary parking pass for the day.
We invite singers of all ages and backgrounds to share their talent and help us start each day of the Farm Show with a little Pennsylvania pride.
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