National Anthem Contest

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is searching for talented individuals and groups to kick off each day of the 2027 Farm Show by singing the National Anthem — and we want you to take the stage!

Whether you belt out tunes while feeding the chickens or hum patriotic melodies from the seat of your car or tractor, this is your chance to shine. From barnyard balladeers to front-porch performers, we’re looking for singers who bring heart, creativity, and authenticity.

Show us your voice and your setting — a dairy barn, cornfield, orchard, kitchen, or anywhere that inspires you. No fancy editing needed — just genuine vocals and a memorable backdrop. Originality counts, so let your passion and personality lead the way!
 

To be eligible for selection, you must:

• be a legal resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
• submit a video originally recorded for the purpose of entering the 2027 "Oh Say, Can You Sing?" Pennsylvania Farm Show National Anthem Contest. Videos recorded for any other purpose will not be accepted. An individual entering or group must sing the National Anthem from start to finish, without instrumental accompaniment, as there will not be instrumental accompaniment when singing at the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show. All videos must be family-friendly and respectful. Entries that do not comply may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA).
• be available at least one day of the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show (which runs from January 9 through January 16, 2027) to be on-site at the Farm Show Complex by 7:45 a.m. to sing the National Anthem at 8:00 a.m. (PDA staff will work with winners to coordinate timing);
• be someone other than an employee, family member or person living in the same household as an employee of PDA; and 
• give the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permission to use your video

If you are under 18, by submitting a video, you are representing to the Commonwealth that you have parent or guardian permission to submit a video. If you are a minor and you do not have permission from your parent or guardian to submit a video, please do not submit a video. If you are under 18 and you are selected to perform, then in order to perform you must provide the written consent of a parent or guardian.
 

November 5 – November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM 
 

When the contest is open, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Facebook will publish a post. Contestants should email their submission, with the subject “National Anthem Contest”, to agcontests@pa.gov.

Email entry should include:

• Name, age, county of residence in Pennsylvania, email address, and phone number
• A YouTube link to your video entry. The video entry should be a single video of yourself or your group singing the National Anthem from start-to-finish, without instrumental accompaniment. Links to videos housed on any platform other than YouTube will not be considered.

The video becomes the property of PDA once submitted. Once received and reviewed, applicants will be notified that their submission has been successfully received via email.

For the first round, all videos are reviewed and voted on internally to determine which contestants advance to the Facebook voting round.

Your video entry must be an original recording created specifically for the 2027 Oh Say, Can You Sing? Pennsylvania Farm Show National Anthem Contest. Videos recorded for any other purpose will not be accepted.

Individuals or groups must perform the National Anthem from start to finish, without instrumental accompaniment, as no accompaniment will be provided during live performances at the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

All videos must be family-friendly and respectful. Entries that do not meet these standards may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA).
 

Fan voting will take place on Facebook from November 25 - December 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The top 12 (twelve) videos based on total reactions (likes, loves, wows, etc.) on Facebook will serve as our finalists to sing during the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The top video, based on total reactions and availability, may be chosen as the singer(s) for Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, January 9, 2027.

PDA retains sole discretion to select and schedule these singers.
 

Winners will be notified via e-mail and required to confirm their availability on a specific date and time during the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Winners have until 4 PM on Friday, December 11, 2026 to reply and confirm their availability. 
 

Once all winners have been confirmed, they will be publicly announced on Pennsylvania Farm Show social media and in a press release.
 

You will be provided a complimentary, one-day parking pass to the show and must be at the Farm Show Complex by 7:30 a.m. on the date you are to sing.  Prior to singing, each winner must complete a waiver form authorizing PDA and its partners to use your likeness and any photo/video/audio recording of you (including your singing performance) as it sees fit, without payment or compensation to you. If you are less than 18 years of age a parent or guardian must sign this waiver for you. A winner will sing live at 8:00 AM each day of the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show, from January 9-16 and for other special events during Farm Show.

Yes! PDA reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this contest.