It was a day that epitomizes June in Wisconsin. The temperature was in the 80s, the sun glistened off the lakes, ice cream cones were in hand and cows were being appreciated. This was the scene at Cows on the Concourse, one of the state’s many ways of celebrating June Dairy Month.
The annual event, sponsored by Dane County Dairy Promotion and many other companies and organizations, took place on the Capitol Square in Madison. Held in conjunction with the Dane County Farmer’s Market, an estimated 25,000 people attended both events.
Be sure to view the below of the ice creaming eating and cream puff eating contests.
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Cows on the Concourse boasts an opportunity for children and adults to get up close and personal with cows without leaving the city limits. Cows and calves could be found at two Cow Zones – on one of the sidewalks leading directly to Wisconsin’s Capitol building and at the end of a street filled with dairy treats, education and activities.
The animals were flanked by dairy farmers and industry volunteers, coined “Moo Experts,” to answer any and all questions posed by the crowd.
Attendees could also swing by the Ask a Farmer Zone where local dairy farmers were on-hand for one-on-one chats about dairy farming.
The Ed“Moo”cation Zone featured hands-on games, including a milk the cow and cow puppet creation station, to stir up even more discussion about dairying with the younger crowd.
Messages about incorporating dairy into proper exercise and nutrition were shared in the Get MOOving and Fit Zone, where children participated in all kinds of athletic stations.
Hot-off-the-griddle grilled cheese sandwiches could be found at the Big Cheese Zone. Plus, there was plenty of ice-cold milk, ice cream, cheese, cream puffs and cheese popcorn to be had by all.
If people didn’t get their fill of dairy treats, they could participate in one of three eating contests where skills were tested in consuming grilled cheese, ice cream and cream puffs. These were held at the stage amongst live music from Dick Leo and the Trio and educational speeches from Alice in Dairyland and other local royalty. View the videos below to see the contestants in action. PD
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Karen Lee
- Midwest Editor
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