Indiana’s dairy farmers kick-off Veterans’ Weekend with free milkshakes

For the third consecutive year, Indiana’s dairy farm families will express their appreciation to area veterans and active-duty military personnel with sweet treats for Veterans’ Weekend – and this time, the public also can participate.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) – the statewide organization that represents Hoosier dairy farmers – will dispense 16-ounce chocolate and vanilla milkshakes from the legendary State Fair Dairy Bar on the grounds of the Indiana State Fair, 1202 E. 38^th St., Indianapolis. All U.S. military veterans and current active-duty military personnel will receive free signature Dairy Bar milkshakes in a commemorative cup when they show their official military ID at the Dairy Bar.

Members of the public wanting to enjoy the signature shakes – normally available only during the Indiana State Fair – are in luck this year! Chocolate and vanilla shakes will be available for purchase at the Dairy Bar for $5 per 16-ounce shake in a regular cup, or $10 per 16-ounce shake in the special commemorative cup. All proceeds from milkshake sales on Nov. 8 will be contributed by ADAI to the American Legion.

Patrons headed to the Dairy Bar event should enter the State Fairgrounds via Gate 6 off of Fall Creek Parkway on the east side of the Fairgrounds. They’ll be directed along the fair’s Main Street straight to the Dairy Bar, located opposite the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

“As always, we’re looking forward to welcoming both US veterans and active-duty military for sweet treats from the Dairy Bar,” ADAI CEO Jenni Browning said. “While it’s impossible to thank these men and women for what they have done and continue to do for all of us, our milkshake giveaway is one small way of showing our enormous appreciation for their service and their sacrifices. We are so grateful to each and every one of them!”

Browning continued, “And this year, we’re really excited to invite the general public to come on out and show their appreciation as well by purchasing vanilla or chocolate shakes – the same delicious shakes we serve during the Indiana State Fair. Every dollar from shakes sold on Nov. 8 will be donated by Indiana’s Dairy Farmers to support the American Legion and its tremendous work on behalf of our U.S. veterans.”

Since 1941, the Indiana Farmers’ Dairy Bar has been the popular destination for all types of dairy delights during the Indiana State Fair. Especially popular are the Dairy Bar’s two signature items: milkshakes and grilled cheese sandwiches. This past summer, more than 72,000 milkshakes were served to fairgoers, along with over 39,000 grilled cheese sandwiches, 4400 ice cream cones, 12,200 bowls of ice cream, 7600 orders of mozzarella sticks, and 9,600 glasses of ice-cold milk.

For more information about the American Dairy Association Indiana and dairy farming in the Hoosier state, visit WinnersDrinkMilk.com.