HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 21, 2011 — (PRNewswire) — New, interactive online tools can help visitors to the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show navigate the show's more than 24 acres and nearly 250 events and activities.  An interactive map and scheduling tool as well as a mobile app are now available at www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

"The Pennsylvania Farm Show offers hundreds of activities that are fun and educational for the whole family," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Visitors can maximize their Farm Show experience by mapping out their visit prior to the show and using the free mobile app."

When visiting the Farm Show website, select any of the options under the "Visitors" menu on the homepage to begin planning.

The website offers easy-to-read, interactive maps and schedules by day or location within the complex. Visitors can search for companies by name or category – from alternative energy to lawn and garden equipment – find detailed company information and organize and print their visit using the agenda planner tool.

The free app can be used on any mobile device or smart phone and includes all the capabilities of the online tool.

Digital map kiosks will be located in the Cameron Street Lobby and in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture booth in the Main Hall. Additionally, the 4-H program operates information booths in small red barns throughout the complex.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the nation's largest indoor agricultural exposition, runs Jan. 7-14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. The show features 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