MERIDIAN, Idaho — The Meridian Dairy Days is celebrating 94 years of commemorating the history of Meridian as the dairy center of Idaho.
What started off as a picnic to mark the opening of the Meridian Creamery back in 1929 has now transformed into a four-day event that is celebrated in the heart of Meridian.
"For people that are new, it's kind of surprising that there is a Meridian Dairy Days," said Hans Bruijn, President of Meridian Dairy Days. "I mean, you can't find a dairy in this area anymore."
Activities have been added over the years, becoming the big celebration it is today, but Bruijn said he wants this event to stay true to its roots.
"We still have dairy cattle and we've added a dairy goat show a couple of years ago," Bruijn said. "So that part is still going strong."
With the loss of farmland and fewer dairy farms in the Treasure Valley the focus of dairy days has shifted.
"We've kind of changed our focus a little bit more towards education, to kind of let people know that the importance of the dairy industry in Idaho and that it's one of the largest states in the nation when it comes to dairy production," Bruijn said.
Ha added that aside from giving FFA and 4H students a chance to get some experience, all of the proceeds of the four-day event goes towards providing scholarships for these students.
"We give away $25,000 or $30,000 worth of scholarships, and that goes to young people that choose to field into agriculture, whether it's veterinarian or dairy sciences," Bruijn said.
He's encouraging people to visit Meridian June 21-24 to enjoy the festival and support local agriculture.
"So, there's a lot of live events going on. We have pancake feed Friday morning and then the cattle show," Bruijn said. "Then of course, Saturday, we end things with a bang with the largest parade in Idaho."
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