ARCHBOLD — Celebrate the rich agricultural history and rural heritage of Northwest Ohio during the annual Dairy Days and Tractor Event at Sauder Village.
Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy life on the farm during Dairy Days from June 16-21 and the Tractors, Tractors, Tractors event on Saturday, June 20.
June is National Dairy Month – a time to celebrate America’s great bounty of dairy products, the important role these products play in our diet and the dairy farmers who help bring them to our table. From Tuesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 21, Sauder Village will host Dairy Days to help celebrate this national event.
“During our Dairy Days event there will be many dairy themed activities to help guests learn more about the role dairy plays in our lives today and in the lives of the early pioneers,” shared Kim Krieger, PR/Media Relations. “We will be making biscuits, butter, ice-cream, and even have cows a calf for our guests to meet!”
June Dairy Month was started in 1939 and since that time the annual celebration has blossomed into a national affair. Originally a way for retailers to promote their dairy products, Dairy Month has now become a true celebration of all things dairy. Today National Dairy Month draws attention to the value of milk and dairy products as part of a well-balanced diet as well as the importance of milk production to the agriculture industry.
While activities and demonstrations will vary from day-to-day, costumed guides will be preparing dairy-related recipes throughout the week and there will be historic recipes for guests to pick up and try at home. Some of the dairy-related historic cooking demonstrations planned include making cottage cheese pudding and schmearcase. Guests will be able to try their hand at churning butter, hand cranking ice-cream and help roll out the crust for a cheese pie. Other fun activities include making buttermilk biscuits, cream dressing and meringue kisses.
Throughout the week guests will also have a chance to visit the cows and learn more about these barnyard animals. There will be many dairy recipes and information about dairy nutrition and life on a modern dairy farm for guests to pick-up. The Fulton County Dairy Ambassador will also be at the Village late in the week to meet guests and share information about the dairy industry.
At Little Pioneers Homestead guests will want to try their hand at milking the fiberglass cow. This full-size Holstein cow provides a way for guests to safely try milking a cow. It continues to be a favorite activity for guests of all ages.
A visit to Sauder Village would not be complete without a dairy treat from the old-time Ice Cream Parlor in the Historic Village. Be sure to stop by for a single or double dip cone or a tasty sundae all featuring Homestead Ice Cream – made locally in Archbold, Ohio!
On Saturday, June 20 the “Tractors, Tractors, Tractors” event will combine with Dairy Days for a more in-depth agricultural experience. This tractor-themed event will focus on the machines that make farming possible. Thanks to the Kenn-Feld Group there will be modern farming equipment on display – providing guests the opportunity to get an up-close look at farming equipment of today.
Again this year more than 70 antique tractors will be on display in the Historic Village. The historic tractors are from the 1930s to the 1960s. There will also be a Pedal Tractor Pull for children to enjoy thanks to the Tinora Young Farmers and the Archbold FFA.
Other upcoming Sauder Village events include the Grime Homestead Opening Day on June 17, an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July event July 4-5, the annual Fiddle Contest/Summer on the Farm event on July 11 and Explore the Crafts on July 18.
Historic Sauder Village is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and each Sunday afternoon from noon-4:00 p.m. The Historic Village is closed on Mondays, except holidays. Admission is $16.00 for adults and $10 for students ages 6-16. Children 5 and under are always free with family and Sauder Village members receive free admission to the Historic Village for an entire year. Senior, Military and AAA discounts are also available. And again this year, children 16 and under are free every Sunday this season! For more information phone 800-590-9755, visit www.saudervillage.org, like Sauder Village on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
