There’s something for everyone at Dairy Fest 2015

Brookings Area dairy producers invite you to be their guest at the 2015 Dairy Fest Celebration, June 5-6. This two-day event provides something for everyone, from youth to adults and will prove an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the dairy industry.

Youth Dairy Carnival

The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Swiftel Center with a carnival for youth to attend. Several hands-on “myth busters” style learning stations will be set up at the Swiftel Center. Stations will provide a wide range of activities from cheese making to feeding a baby calf. These activities are designed to fit youth between ages of 5 – 14 years old. The carnival will be held on Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Area day cares are encouraged to bring groups on Friday.

“Cow to Cup” 5K

Saturday’s agenda includes something for every member of the family, starting with the second annual “Cow to Cup 5K” race will kick off the morning’s events. Runners will be able to refuel with a free bottle of chocolate milk following the race. Funds from the race will go to SD Ag in the Classroom and the SDSU Dairy Club. The preregistration cost is $25 which includes a t-shirt. Registration at the event is $35. To register visit www.allsportscentral.com.

Central Plains Holstein Show

Back at the Swiftel Center, the public is encouraged to see some of the area’s finest cattle showcased at the Central Plains Holstein Show in the arena. The carnival will also be set up and open for visitors on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Dairy farm and dairy plant tours

Another great opportunity on Saturday is a free bus tour of Hilltop Dairy, a modern dairy farm, just outside Brookings. These tours will take place from 9 a.m. and noon. The bus tour also includes an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the South Dakota State University Davis Dairy Plant where the famous ice cream is made.

“Know Your Neighbor” Open Forum

Have you ever had questions that you would like to ask a dairy farmer? Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the “Know Your Neighbor” open forum will take place. All community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions to the dairy community and dairy farming neighbors. Finally, a free luncheon is open to the public following the forum.

Don’t miss this unique event in celebration of June Dairy Month. Not only is it a free and enjoyable family outing, it also is designed so attendees can go home knowing more about their dairy neighbors. Nicolien Hammink, area dairy producer and Dairy Fest committee member says, “As dairy farmers we enjoy the opportunity to share our dairy farming story, which is exactly what Dairy Fest is all about. We like to let people know how well cows are cared for.”

For more information about Dairy Fest, please contact Dairy Fest Committee Chair, Darrel Rennich at (605) 695-3676 or drennich@diamondv.com.