On August 6, National Root Beer Float Day tells us to float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in an ice-cold mug of frothy root beer. The classic beverage creates a creamy treat loved by generations!
Also known as the “Black Cow,” the root beer float got its start in Colorado in a mining camp. Frank J. Wisner of Cripple Creek, Colorado, gets the credit for inventing the “Black Cow” way back in August of 1893.
One night Wisner, owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, was staring out the window and thinking about the line of soda waters he was producing for the citizens of Cripple Creek when he came upon an idea. The full moon that night shined on the snow-capped Cow Mountain and reminded him of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He hurried back to his bar and scooped a spoonful of ice cream into the children’s favorite flavor of soda, Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. After trying, he liked it and served it the very next day. It was an immediate hit.
Wisner named the new creation, “Black Cow Mountain” but the local children shortened the name to “Black Cow”.
Since its inception, thousands of root beer floats have been enjoyed around the country each day.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRootBeerFloatDay
Gather up some root beer and ice cream and mix up the perfect root beer float. Enjoy a root beer float over lunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant. Use #RootBeerFloatDay to post on social media and spread the word.
National Dairy Month in June celebrates the many contributions of the dairy industry to our health and economy.
Dairy products contribute to our health in numerous ways. An 8-ounce glass of milk has more nutrients than the same serving size of juice. It’s packed with protein, too. And cheese is udderly delicious!
Here’s a list of popular dairy products you might find during Dairy Month:
Milk (whole, skim, 2%, lactose-free, flavored)
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, feta, blue cheese)
These are just a few examples of the dairy products you might come across during Dairy Month. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your location and personal preferences.
Beyond the benefits that go into our bodies, the dairy industry fuels our economy. From the farmer and cheese production to distribution and the grocers who stock their shelves with products there’s a non-stop demand for all the delicious ways we enjoy dairy products.
HISTORY
National Dairy Month began in 1937 to promote dairy products. The Dairy Council sponsors the month.
Savor the recipes made with dairy all month long. Visit a dairy farm and thank a farmer. Pick up your favorite cheeses or have some frozen yogurt. Learn the difference between whipping cream and half and half. Take a tour of an ice cream factory. What’s your favorite dairy?
On February 15, National Wisconsin Day recognizes The Badger State.
Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China.
A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname The Badger State. According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people.
Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese.
Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of The Badger State. As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933.
From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities.
Official Wisconsin
State Capital – Madison State Nickname – The Badger State Stte Motto -Forward State Bird – American Robin State Flower – Wood Violet State Animal -Badger State Folk Dance – Polka. State Fish – Muskellunge State Rock – Red Granite State Mineral – Galena. State Tree – Sugar Maple State Song – On Wisconsin State Waltz – The Wisconsin Waltz
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWisconsinDay
“Discover a taste of Wisconsin. Explore the 30th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!” Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media.
Wisconsin Flavors
Fried cheese curds Beer cheese soup Brats Brandy Old Fashioned Blue Moon Ice Cream Pasty
Parks & Museums
For a complete list of Wisconsin State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit dnr.wi.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
The first Saturday in February is a big treat because it’s Ice Cream for Breakfast Day!
Whether the sun rises over a frosty morning or a warm one, having a scoop or two of ice cream for breakfast once a year places a bright spot right in the middle of winter. The creamy goodness of chocolate or vanilla will start the Saturday off right. Add some fresh fruit or sprinkle some of your favorite cereal for some crunch.
This is a breakfast kids and adults will love. Waffles with fresh fruits and a scoop of vanilla. Of course you can also add a layer of Nuetella under the ice cream. Start your Day with smiles that will last all day. Looking for a lower calorie option try frozen yogurt instead.
Those who like to get creative with their ice cream might like bacon or avocado flavored ice cream at breakfast time. How about cinnamon toast and coffee ice cream? There are so many ways to participate in this deliciously good day. All you really have to do, though, is have ice cream for breakfast.
ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY HISTORY
In the 1960s, Florence Rappaport of New York created Ice Cream for Breakfast Day as a way to chase away cabin fever for her six children due to a winter storm that had blown through the area. The annual celebration caught on as her children grew and shared it on their travels. Today, the day has been observed in Canada, New Zeland, England, South Africa, Israel, and more.
Break out of the winter doldrums and have ice cream for breakfast. Enjoy your favorite kind or get creative and try something new. Have an ice cream breakfast party, and invite friends over to indulge with you! Use #iceCreamForBreakfastDay to share on social media.
National Frozen Yogurt Day on February 6th recognizes a sweet frozen dessert that has gone from fad status to staple freezer item in a few decades.
Frozen yogurt sales are increasing every year as people want a healthier alternative to ice cream, especially for breakfast. The explosion of flavors and topping choices add to the popularity of frozen yogurt.
H.P Hood developed the first frozen yogurt in 1970 in the United States. It was created as a soft-serve treat called Frogurt. Not long afterward, Humphreys and Dannon released their own versions of frozen yogurt. Its popularity grew in the 80s, mostly due to frozen yogurts “health food” status. Ice cream manufacturers soon caught on, offering low-fat options.
Frozen yogurt is again making a comeback as consumers have begun to prefer the tart taste of yogurt. Not only does it find its way into home freezers, but it also is a sweet stop after work or play.
While the origins of this frozen food holiday remain a mystery, don’t let it stop your enjoyment. We’re going to top our frozen yogurt with some sprinkles, whipped cream, and gummy bears. Try it on top of Nuetella covered waffles, topped with fresh berries too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFrozenYogurtDay
Enjoy your favorite flavor of frozen yogurt. It’s possible to even make your own. Check out the recipes below or even make another dessert using frozen yogurt. Invite someone to join you in your celebration, too. Add toppings or blend in some fruit. Tell us about your favorites or share a recipe.
