Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – Saturday may have been a rainy and wet morning, but attendance at June Dairy Breakfasts didn’t suffer. The first breakfast kicked off in Pittsville at 7 AM. The FFA Alumni put on this June Dairy Breakfast at Iggy’s Trucking LLC. The second Dairy Breakfast on Saturday started at 8 AM at Alexander Field in Wisconsin Rapids. Hosted by EAA Chapter 706 in coordination with Grand Rapids and Wisconsin Rapids emergency vehicles and personnel.

Pittsville FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast

The parking lot was already full when I pulled up at 7:20 AM. Helpful parking attendant volunteers helped me find a spot so I could head out of the rain and get in line. After a delicious breakfast, I found someone with an FFA shirt on who looked like she was in charge. Lindsay Meissner is the Pittsville Agriscience instructor and FFA advisor. She’s been teaching in the Pittsville School District for 7 years of her 19 year teaching career. She said the Pittsville Dairy Breakfast typically serves over one thousand people. With the rainy weather, it was a slower start, but Lindsay said they had a steady stream of people. She said it’s great to see everyone turn out for the breakfast to support and promote dairy in the state of Wisconsin.

All the Pittsville FFA Alumni and Pittsville supporters come together to cook the dairy breakfast. This year, the Pittsville Fire Department teamed up with the FFA Alumni. Part of the proceeds from the breakfast will go to support the fire department in addition to the FFA programs in Pittsville. It was reported on the FFA Alumni Facebook page that over 600 people attended the breakfast on Saturday.

Central WI State Fair Ambassador

Heidi Kundinger is Royalty for the Central Wisconsin State Fair and one of their three ambassadors for this year. As part of her community work for the Central Wisconsin State Fair, Heidi helped with the Pittsville Dairy Breakfast. She was a member of the Pittsville FFA for many years and enjoys being back in the area to help with the breakfast.

Heidi said one of her favorite things about the Pittsville breakfast is the cranberry sausage and they run out super fast. I had to agree with her. The cranberry sausage was delicious!

Wisconsin Rapids Dairy Breakfast

When I pulled into Alexander Field, the parking attendants were again very helpful! The rain had let up a little and people were lining up! This is the third year the June Dairy Breakfast has been held at Alexander Field. I spoke with Tom Davis who is President of EAA Chapter 706. He said he was a little worried about the weather, so he only purchased half of the supplies needed at first. Once the breakfast got going, he realized the weather wasn’t going to deter people from coming and had to run out to get the rest of the supplies. They typically serve around 600 people. Since it was my second breakfast of the morning, I got mine to go!

Emergency vehicles to explore

Grand Rapids Fire and Wisconsin Rapids Fire Departments had trucks there for the kiddos to explore. They also had Grand Rapids Police and Wisconsin Rapids Police vehicles. Staff members from each department were there to show the kids the vehicles and the equipment inside. Lifelink and Aspirus helicopters were going to be there as well, but they couldn’t fly in the stormy conditions.

The June Dairy Breakfasts on Saturday, June 22nd had great attendance, despite the rainy weather. It was fun to see so many folks turn out in support of dairy and our AG Industry in Wisconsin. The kids enjoyed seeing the emergency vehicles in Wisconsin Rapids and milking the cow in Pittsville, and both breakfasts were delicious. I know I’ll be going to more June Dairy Breakfasts next year!