Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced Wednesday that, for the third consecutive year, a teen from Schuylkill County has won the "Oh, Say Can You Sing?" contest, becoming the star performer for the daily rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2024 Farm Show.
Thirteen-year-old Thea Sten, from Schuylkill Haven, became the winner by securing the highest number of social media votes. The young singer will take center stage at the 108th Farm Show Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Agriculture Secretary Redding shared his excitement, stating, "The 2024 Farm Show theme, Connecting Our Communities, celebrates the best of our agriculture industry and what unites us. The Star-Spangled Banner unites our communities, regardless of our differences. Thea and a talented cast of singers from communities across Pennsylvania will set a tone of unity and pride in commonwealth and country as we start each day of the 2024 PA Farm Show."
A panel of judges sifted through 55 qualified entries from all corners of Pennsylvania to select 25 finalists. These finalists, including Thea Sten, showcased their vocal prowess in videos posted on Facebook, where fan voting determined the ultimate winners.
Agriculture Secretary Redding shared his excitement, stating, "The 2024 Farm Show theme, Connecting Our Communities, celebrates the best of our agriculture industry and what unites us. The Star-Spangled Banner unites our communities, regardless of our differences. Thea and a talented cast of singers from communities across Pennsylvania will set a tone of unity and pride in commonwealth and country as we start each day of the 2024 PA Farm Show."
A panel of judges sifted through 55 qualified entries from all corners of Pennsylvania to select 25 finalists. These finalists, including Thea Sten, showcased their vocal prowess in videos posted on Facebook, where fan voting determined the ultimate winners.
The chosen vocalists will grace the GIANT Expo Hall at 8:00 AM daily from January 6 to 13.