Pennsylvania College of Technology's crowd-pleasing presence at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg got off to an auspicious start on Jan. 8, as a popular hands-on activity, savory smells and tastes from School of Hospitality students and faculty, and a visit from the always-in-demand Wildcat mascot set the stage for the week to come.
– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
A popular toolbox-construction display requires an assembly-line approach to handle the crowd.
Penn College's Wildcat mascot attracts a "high five" from a new friend.
From left, School of Hospitality students Benjamin A. King, Arthur H. Byra and Patricia A. Bennett serve a "Mushroom Day" dish to the public.
Bambi A. Hawkins, learning laboratory coordinator for the college's paramedic program, draws a crowd through a hands-on activity that demonstrates muscle contraction stimulated by an external pacemaker – with a discussion of how it relates to getting the heart rate to increase.
The Wildcat hands out a career-exploration coloring book that bears its likeness on the cover.
A determined Jack Peters shows off his woodworking skills, with a guiding hand from Mom (Deborah K. Peters, a graphic designer at the college).
Attention, golf coach Matt Haile: The college mascot exhibits winning form while putting his way through a fun, informative display by Penn State's Pesticide Education Program.
Chef Michael J. Ditchfield, instructor of hospitality management/culinary arts, left, and student Robert L. Robinson III, of Sunbury prepare a mushroom recipe with Gretta Goodis, senior medical management consultant with Capital Blue Cross.
James P. Lentz, associate professor of printing and publishing technology, left, and Joseph Loehr, associate professor of mass communication/English composition, acquaint showgoers with the School of Integrated Studies.
A young carpenter-in-training hands a wood screw to his mentor at the School of Construction and Design Technologies exhibit.
Todd W. Leister, coordinator of admissions electronic services/admissions representative, talks with a prospective student.
Elizabeth A. Shively, interim director of the Penn College surgical technology program, offers insight.
It's safety first at the college's construction corner, where Farm Show attendees were required to don appropriate eyewear before building their toolboxes.
Alumni relations assistant Becky J. Shaner helps the Wildcat try on cowboy hats during a get-acquainted stroll on the Farm Show's main floor.
Steven K. McCoy, coordinator of matriculation and retention for the School of Construction and Design Technologies, helps 10-year-old twins Elizabeth and Micah Hillegass, of Dauphin.
Hospitality students, faculty and Farm Show friends gather 'round the Phillie Phanatic during a welcome break on a busy day of kitchen wizardry.
Farm Show patrons are enlightened by Nathan D. Smyth, assistant dean of health services.
Elizabeth G. Verbos, coordinator of admissions and enrollment event services, left, and alumni relations' Becky J. Shaner help manage the steady stream of visitors.
In a scene repeated many, many times throughout the day, the Penn College Wildcat finds a photogenic fan.
Three talented novices proudly display their creations for Grandpa.
Robert L. Robinson III preps pork for a cooking demonstration later in the week.
An animated Steven K. McCoy explains the toolbox-building operation for a roving Pennsylvania Cable Network correspondent..
No matter the day, no matter which school is in the spotlight, Penn College's Farm Show is a busy place.
With 200 toolbox kits on hand, Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, tirelessly does his part - helping Hannah Smith, of Dover, whose father, Michael D., graduated from Penn College in 1992 with a construction carpentry degree.
The Wildcat finds another in a daylong series of happy huggers.
A half-ton of butter and 10 days' work went into this year's commemorative sculpture, depicting youthful recreation (and the healthful refreshment of milk).
Penn College's "Culinary Connection" to the Farm Show is detailed in this placard.