Dairyfest in Marshfield

 

Dairyfest 2018 comes to Marshfield June 1-3 with the theme, "Celebrate Wisconsin Dairy." That's what Dairyfest is all about, and with Wood County hosting Farm Technology Days this July, it's the perfect sentiment for the event. The festivities begin with the annual kickoff Mayor's breakfast on Friday morning and Picnic in the Park in the evening. The following day, the parade begins at 11 a.m. followed by a full day of events at the Fairgrounds, Upham Mansion, Wildwood Upper Pond, and The Hannah Center. Click the link below for more information.

Dairyfest Events Line-up

Debbie Bauer, Program Director for Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry coordinates the event with the help of many volunteers.

“The agricultural industry is extremely important to Central WI putting food on everyone’s tables.  In looking at the number of cheese factories, dairy farms, cranberries, industries that support the ag in the Marshfield area it plays an tremendous impact on the economy,“ she said.

Dairyfest is one of Marshfield’s largest events so it isn’t hard to imagine that it takes quite a bit of time and effort to pull off. Bauer said it takes about 9 months of planning and preparation each year to host the event.

Many Marshfield residents consider Dairyfest the kick off to summer events and can hardly  remember a time that they have not participated in, at least, part of the festivities of the weekend. Well that makes sense because the event has been around for quite a long time.

“This community tradition started 35 years ago when three local people decided Marshfield needed to do something to recognize the agricultural industry in this area.  Those individuals; the then Mayor Marilyn Hardacre, Elmer Frey and Les Leonard organized a dairy breakfast at the Agricultural Research Station’s auditorium.  They served 100 people.  Thirty-five years later the breakfast continues to be the kick-off for this event and we now serve over 2,000,” said Bauer.