One of my numerous pet peeves is how many people and groups have commandeered the dairy industry’s “Got Milk?” campaign for their own promotional efforts. In contrast, this week’s post is actually about milk.
Specifically, it’s about DairyFest, an annual homage to products derived from the nutrient-filled output of cows. (Sidenote: It was a brave soul who first approached a cow and said to himself or herself: “I’m going to squeeze the bag between that big animal’s legs and, by golly, drink whatever comes out.”)
Just a couple hours’ drive from the Twin Cities—depending on how leaden your foot is—Marshfield represents an example of rural America, done right.
Held this year from June 5–7, Dairyfest will feature entertainment old and new . . . but mostly old. The Marshfield Civic Band is an annual tradition that evokes memories of a northern Mayberry RFD. The event also features food, shopping, and arts and crafts, plus the promising “Junkyard Wars.” Teams of three take junk, duct tape, and twine to make “masterpieces,” which are judged for creativity. (How does one judge junk-art?)
For actual art, it’s worth stopping by the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts, which is really quite impressive for a town of 18,000 residents, and they really gear up for Dairyfest.
If you go, and if you decide to stay in the area, the choices are a little unimaginative. One place that is a little out of the ordinary is Anna’s Inn. I have not stayed there, although I have visited Anna’s; it offers just one room, but it’s nice and homey and features local Amish decor.
For good eats, I recommend two places housed in the same historic building. The Blue Heron BrewPub offers good, solid pub grub, but the beers are why you should stop. The local brewer is a bit of an alchemist, who seems to get bored and thus offer something “off the menu” pretty regularly. I’m partial to the Lorica Irish Stout, which is often available.
West 14th Restaurant is a sister restaurant to the Blue Heron, with a little fancier food and a distinctly quieter ambience. The coffee sirloin—and I’m not a big coffee drinker—comes with a sauce that is a surprise (in a good way) and that allows you to skip your usual after-dinner espresso.
People interested in the unusual should visit the World’s Largest Round Barn. Built in 1916, this monstrosity is more than 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet high and was built to house prize cows.
So, we have come full circle, back to dairy. Visit Marshfield in June and get your milk mustache on.
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