Blue Mountain Middle School student Thea Sten gave a rousing rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday to kick off the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The eighth-grader won the farm show’s “Oh, Say Can You Sing” contest to earn the prestigious billing.
She was the third Schuylkill County young woman in a row to perform the national anthem at the eight-day extravaganza, the largest indoor agricultural extravaganza in the country. Mia Bixler of Schuylkill Haven performed it in 2023. Kalli J. Smith of Gordon sang the anthem in 2022.
“She sounded wonderful,” said Erin Sten, Thea’s mom, who was on stage with her daughter.
As Thea began singing, her mom said, it began snowing. The family, however, managed to stay one step ahead of the oncoming storm and made it home safely.
Thea was flanked by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser and Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis as she belted out the anthem.
A state police color guard and two mounted state troopers took part in the ceremony.
Sandy Kost-Sterner, who coaches Thea as part of the Pottsville-based Spotlight Kidz, said it was a great experience for the young singer.
“She met a lot of people,” said Kost-Sterner, Spotlight Kidz director. “It’s possible she might get to sing at future state events.”
In other farm show developments, Schuylkill County Commissioner Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington won top honors for decorative Indian corn grown at B&R Farm in Union Township.
His display won best of show and a first-place blue ribbon in statewide competition. It’s the second time in recent years that Hetherington swept top honors among vegetable growers at the farm show.
With his family, Hetherington volunteered at the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association stand, selling frozen strawberry drinks.
The farm show runs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through June 13. The hours on the final day are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The largest indoor agricultural expo in the U.S., it features 6,000 animals, 12,000 competitive events and exhibits and 250 commercial exhibits. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of $15 per vehicle.
Source: Berkshire mont