The History of Platteville Dairy Days, Inc.

            The first Platteville Dairy Days occurred on September 20, 1947 as a free one-day event. The purpose was to serve as a “Thank You” to Platteville shoppers from the Platteville Business Association.  People from neighboring cities and villages were encouraged to attend. In fact, each neighboring community was invited to have a candidate compete for the Dairy Days Queen. Many of these communities, including Dickeyville, Potosi, Belmont, Lancaster, Livingston and Cuba City, held their own competitions to select their Dairy Days Candidate. Along with the crowning of the Dairy Days Queen, the first Dairy Days offered stock judging at the College Farm, a parade, bubble gum contest, afternoon program in city park and an evening street dance. The free noon lunch consisted of cheese sandwiches, coffee, chocolate milk and whole milk.

The downtown area was decorated and 65 head of the finest dairy cattle from the tri-county area were on display in City Park. The merchants and other business places were expected to have window displays of exhibits by area 4-H members and Future Farmers.

            To date, the first Platteville Dairy Days in 1947 was the largest event ever held in Platteville.  It was estimated that around 15,000 people attended this one-day event. There were 120 entries in the two-mile parade including bands from Darlington, Belmont, Boscobel, Rewey, Lancaster, Bloomington, Fennimore and Platteville.  It was reported that by actual count, 10,800 sandwich wrappers were used for the free lunch and some late comers were served unwrapped sandwiches. The lunch stands, hotel and restaurants were crowded as well.