Great Dairy Adventure to Provide Free Fun, Education for Kids July 22
6/16/09
Contact: Sara Long
517-432-1555, ext. 170
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Milking a cow by hand and posing for take-home milk mustache photos with sports stars are just two of the fun memories that children of all ages, parents, educators and daycare providers can expect to make at the 11th annual Great Dairy Adventure. It’s July 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.
“The Great Dairy Adventure is an enjoyable and educational consumer event that illustrates how milk gets from the farm to the table, and it teaches the importance of consuming at least three servings of dairy foods a day,” says Shari Blonde, Great Dairy Adventure event chairperson. “By participating in various hands-on activities and sampling healthy, refreshing dairy treats, children can more readily make the connection between cows on the farm and dairy products in grocery store coolers.”
Children of all ages can take their turn milking a cow by hand, petting calves, experimenting with dairy recipes, creating craft projects and playing games, all while learning about various segments of the dairy industry. MSU athletes will also be on site to pose for milk mustache photos with participants.
“More than 3,000 people -- including families, daycare providers and their students -- enjoyed free dairy treats and the many learning stations and game and craft areas at last year’s event,” Blonde says. “This year’s event promises to be just as much fun, and it will include some new exhibits and educational activities. From toddlers to teenagers and daycare providers to grandparents, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn.”
In addition to free dairy treats and take-home projects, participants will have a chance to visit one-on-one with MSU large animal veterinary students during hands-on activities with cows. Parents and people who work with children will receive nutrition educational materials that include simple, tasty recipe ideas to try at home. Everyone is encouraged to bring a camera to capture memories in the making.
The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the weeklong Michigan Dairy Expo, the largest dairy event in the state. Dairy producers and youth interested in dairy farming gather from across the state at the annual expo to compete in breed shows and showmanship contests; vie for awards in dairy cattle evaluation, quiz bowls and management contests; sell or purchase dairy animals; network with friends and industry colleagues; and celebrate the dairy industry.
There is no admission fee to participate in the Great Dairy Adventure, and parking is free. Picnic areas will be set up on the northwest side of the pavilion, and MSU Concessions will be selling food and beverages on site. All activities will take place inside the pavilion, which is handicapper-accessible.
The MSU pavilion is located on the MSU campus on Farm Lane between Mt. Hope and Forest roads.
For more information about the Great Dairy Adventure, contact Blonde at 517-373-9741 or blondes@michigan.gov. More information about the event is also available online at www.udim.org.
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