PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania’s dairy promotion organizations celebrated June Dairy Month with the creation of a colossal ice cream sundae built at Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia on Saturday June 22.
The annual salute to dairy farmers is sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program on behalf of commonwealth dairy farmers, who work together to promote milk and dairy products. Dairy is the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, generating more than $2.3 billion in economic activity annually. Each year, Pennsylvania’s 541,000 dairy cows produce 10.5 billion pounds, or 5.4 percent, of the nation’s total supply of milk annually.*
“Is there anything better than simple, wholesome milk? It’s a food that I feel good giving to my children, and I’m proud to provide it for your family, too,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Chester County dairy farmer who spoke on behalf of the state’s dairy farmers. “The milk at your local grocery store is simply produced and delivered to you fresh, packed with nutrients vital to good health.”
Joining Hershey with opening remarks was Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Maria Jo Noble and Please Touch Museum Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Brian Simard.
Following the opening remarks, volunteers created the giant sundae using 45 gallons of Turkey Hill vanilla ice cream. The mountain of ice cream was covered with chocolate sauce, strawberries and whipped cream. The sundae was topped off with a giant ball of cherries.
“June’s 30 days are a wonderful opportunity to salute the 7,200 Pennsylvania families who produce 5.4 percent of the nation’s total milk supply,” said Patty Purcell, CEO of Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. “Dairy farmers take great pride in caring for their animals. The public can be assured that dairy farmers are dedicated and committed to providing your family with a delicious and nutritious food. Your milk comes from a good place!”
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are the local planning and management organizations funded by dairy farmer checkoff dollars. They work closely with Dairy Management Inc.™ and are responsible for increasing demand for U.S.-produced dairy products on behalf of Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers. For more information, visit www.dairyspot.com.
Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play. Recognized locally and nationally as one of the best children’s museums, Please Touch Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free. For more information, please call 215-581-3181, or visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Caption: Please Touch Museum Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Brian Simard places a giant cherry on top of a 45-gallon ice cream sundae built by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association to celebrate June Dairy Month. Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess, Maria Jo Noble, contest winner, Max Brodsky and his mother, Sandy and Chester county dairy farmer, Marilyn Hershey, look on.
Source: Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association