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Plans are taking shape for a 310-acre tourism destination along Interstate 81 in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County.

Agrarian Country will showcase Pennsylvania agriculture through museums, an equine breeding center, a fullblown dairy cattle operation, event venues and more.

One of the first pieces to unfold will be a $5 million arts center, which will include a 400-seat dinner theater, a 400-seat restaurant, a school offering youth theater and arts programs, and a 200-seat theater for youth productions. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring with a tentative opening set for fall 2010.

The center will be led by Jim Moyer, a self-employed local actor. Moyer previously announced plans to purchase land in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, and create Broadway Classics Dinner Theater. Instead, he recently decided to merge those operations with Agrarian County, he said.