Those of you who grew up in or around farming communities probably remember attending a celebration called Dairy Days. It was a festivity that focused on celebrating all things dairy. Depending on your town, the festivities were likely different, but I bet there were plenty of activities for the kids. Usual suspects could be:
- A petting zoo of calves
- A contest for who had the best “moo”
- A competition to see who could drink milk (or eat ice cream) the fastest
Regardless of the activities, Dairy Days provided an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate dairy. But celebrating dairy isn’t something that just exists in rural communities. In fact, there are a handful of (unofficial) national dairy days each year. Here's a look at some of the dairy-related days you can participate in.
National Dairy Days 2020
National Frozen Yogurt Day - Thursday, February 6
While frozen yogurt has a shorter history than the other dairy items on this list, it’s made a big cultural impact since it first hit the scene in the 1970s and rose in popularity in the 1980s. Now, you can find frozen yogurt all across the United States.
Data from 2015 claims there were nearly 3,000 frozen yogurt stores across the U.S. Visiting your nearest frozen yogurt spot can be a great way to celebrate the day, especially if it’s one where you get to pick your own toppings.
National Cheese Day - Thursday, June 4
National Cheese Day, not to be confused with National Cheese Lover’s Day (January 20), is an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of varieties of cheese available today. Whether you prefer your cheese grilled into a sandwich, melted in a fondue pot, or alongside a well-paired glass of wine, you’re encouraged to enjoy it a little more than usual on June 4th.
Here are a few cheesy facts you can use to help celebrate:
- The U.S. is the second top producer of cheese in the world
- Of all 50 states, Wisconsin produces the most cheese in the U.S.
- On average, the French consume about 60 pounds of cheese per person, per year
- For comparison, Americans consume approximately 34 pounds of cheese per person, per year
- The top cheeses in the world are Parmigiano-Reggiano, Camembert, and Bavarian Swiss
National Ice Cream Day - Sunday, July 19
It’s no surprise that National Ice Cream Day is a July celebration. The unofficial holiday is a great reason to cool yourself from the summer heat. However you take it — one scoop or two, in a bowl or in a cone, indoors or outdoors — ice cream delivers a sweet treat enjoyed by people of all ages.
Unlike the other national dairy days on this list, observance of National Ice Cream Day is always celebrated on Sundays (just like how Thanksgiving is always celebrated on Thursday). Here in the U.S., you’ll find lots of ice cream shops offering sales and specials to help you celebrate.
National Chocolate Milkshake Day - Saturday, September 12
Here’s a bit of history for National Chocolate Milkshake Day… did you know that milkshakes date back to the late 1800s? That’s right, these sweet treats have been around well over 200 years! As you might’ve guessed, a great way to celebrate this holiday is by having your own chocolate milkshake.
Whether you belly up to your favorite diner counter or make one at home, milkshakes are a delicious, handy treat. And if you don’t care for chocolate, don’t worry. You can celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day on June 20th.
Well, I hope this gives you enough opportunities to celebrate the dairy industry in 2020. Remember, these “holidays” aren’t meant to be taken too seriously, but celebrating them with your friends, family, or coworkers can be a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
