World Dairy Expo will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and to celebrate this milestone, journalists have collaborated to create a historical book reminiscing on 50 years of Expo memories. The limited edition commemorative book, We Need a Show, gives insight into how the show began, the struggles and successes over the years, and a look into what the future might hold.
"The show's growth and development into the world's most respected and renowned dairy event is, indeed, a success story," said Corey Geiger, Hoard's Dairyman managing editor and 50th Anniversary Book Committee co-chair. "We Need a Show is the story of that successful journey."
The project spanned three years, and was a collaboration of dozens of volunteer writers who put in hundreds of hours of research, writing and editing. In all, 40 writers contributed to the book, bringing 50 years of insight and memories to life. With eight chapters and over 200 pictures, the hard-cover book features interviews with Expo legends and iconic images that bring the story to life.
"While not every story could be told on these pages," said Geiger, "we hope we have captured the spirit of the world's greatest dairy show."
The book's title hints at the origins of World Dairy Expo, when Wisconsin dairyman Allen Hetts had the idea that the dairy industry needed a grand show.
"It provides the theme for the book as the rallying cry of we need a show' was the first step of the 50-year journey that led to World Dairy Expo as we know it today," said Geiger.
We Need a Show will be for sale exclusively during Expo, starting Tuesday, September 29, 2015. Books will sell for $25 plus tax and can be purchased in the Purple Cow Gift Shop and in the west lobby of the Coliseum.
World Dairy Expo will be held Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, 2015 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis. with this year's theme of "Dairy in our DNA." WDE, recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, attracts more than 70,000 attendees from more than 90 countries each year. Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter or #WDE15 for more information.
8.18.2015