SEDALIA, Mo. — More than 350,000 visitors are expected to make their way through the Missouri State Fair this year, and they’ll get the chance to enjoy dairy like never before! Midwest Dairy is thrilled to bring back a special ice cream feature at the Gerken Dairy Center — the “Flavor of the Fair.”
This year’s treat is Pasture Parfait, including pistachio ice cream with a layer of chocolate-covered Missouri walnuts, topped with real dairy whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup. It’s a scoop of local pride with every bite!
“The Flavor of the Fair gives us a fun way to celebrate dairy while keeping things fresh and exciting year after year,” said Nathan Roth, Missouri dairy farmer and chair of Midwest Dairy’s Ozarks division board. “We hope fairgoers swing by the Gerken Dairy Center for a tasty break and to support the hardworking local dairy farmers behind these nutritious and sustainably-made dairy treats.”
Of course, the Pasture Parfait is just one of many dairy delights at the Gerken Dairy Center. There, visitors can also find a new menu item, Ice Cream Nachos, as well as enjoy a wide variety of ice cream options and grilled cheese sandwiches, including fan favorites such as grilled ham and cheese, pizza grilled cheese, and grilled bacon mac and cheese melts. Don’t miss the $1 half-pint of ice-cold milk — the perfect budget-friendly, nutritious refreshment!
Located on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds between the cattle barns and the coliseum, the Gerken Dairy Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to treats, guests can explore dairy in action through educational displays, hands-on activities, and twice-daily milking demonstrations at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. And no visit would be complete without seeing the beloved butter cow and this year’s theme is “Yee-Haw.”
“The dairy industry remains a vital part of life here in the Midwest, and the Missouri State Fair is a fantastic way to help it come alive for fairgoers,” said Stacy Dohle, Missouri Farmer Relations Manager at Midwest Dairy. “Fairs were created to celebrate agriculture and bring communities together, and that mission is just as important today. Farmers aren’t just food producers; they’re our neighbors, and they care deeply about their cows, water quality, and the well-being of their communities. At a time when many people are removed from rural life, this is a valuable opportunity for Missourians to connect with the people behind their food and see the care and commitment that goes into dairy products.”
For more information about the Missouri State Fair, click here.
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.