:quality(70):focal(308x190:318x200)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LJTKZREGCBEQ5IRO54HNQ2SAJA.png)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — More than 630,000 fairgoers will have the opportunity to experience dairy in a new, fun way during the Illinois State Fair.
New this year, Midwest Dairy will introduce a Flavor of the Fair ice cream treat that can be found at the Dairy Goodness Bar.
This year’s Flavor of the Fair is a cookies and cream shake featuring your choice of creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream paired with chocolate cookie crumbs mixed in.
“The new Flavor of the Fair will allow for some variety at the Dairy Goodness Bar, but also a little mystery that will lead to a yearly unveiling of different flavors,” said Bill Deutsch, Illinois dairy farmer.
“I encourage all fairgoers to stop by if they are looking for a cold and refreshing treat while enjoying the Illinois State Fair. If you stop by, thank you for supporting your local dairy farmer.”
Other delicious dairy foods are offered at the Dairy Goodness Bar, including various ice cream cones, cold milk and the new and improved cream puff.
The menu also includes vanilla, chocolate and strawberry shake flavors, and Midwest Dairy is proud to be bringing back the famous raspberry shake this year, as well.
The building — located on Central Avenue next to the Illinois Fire Museum — is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also find the Flavor of the Fair entered in the Golden Abe Foods contest.
Besides ice cream, you can enjoy and learn about dairy in various ways during the Illinois State Fair. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to experience dairy in the livestock buildings and at the Dairy Building.
Family-friendly activities include Cow-A-Bingo, Undeniably Dairy photo booth, dairy trivia mini putt and dairy nutrition education corn hole.
You also can’t forget to stop by the Butter Cow and participate in the Butter Cow Heart Hunt. Dairy Ambassadors and interns will be present throughout the fair to speak about life on a farm and answer questions about the dairy industry.
“The dairy industry is important to the Midwest, and we are excited to bring dairy to life during the fair,” said Kendra Anderson, Midwest Dairy’s Illinois farmer relations manager.
“State and county fairs began as a way to promote agriculture while offering a place for the community to come and learn more about farming.
“Today, with more people living in urban areas, the opportunity for the people of Illinois to connect with farmers and learn more about where their food comes from is more valuable than ever before.”