The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service of Halifax is pleased to present a Mobile Dairy Classroom exhibit Friday, May 3 at the 16^th Annual Halifax County Heritage Festival. 

The 32- foot mobile classroom features a fully operational milking parlor and carries a live dairy cow to schools, fairs and festivals throughout the south.  This exhibit is part of an educational program operated by the Southwest Dairy Museum, Inc., and is funded entirely by local dairy farmer producers in Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia through the national milk check-off program.

The exhibit will include a 30 to 45- minute presentation by a trained instructor who teaches the process of modern milking and the importance of dairy foods in a healthy diet.   Students will also be taught the characteristics and anatomy of dairy cows, the importance of modern environmental and food safety practices on a dairy farm, and the vital role agriculture plays in our lives.

The Mobile Dairy Classroom will be presented during the day Friday, May 3 which has been designated as Halifax County Student Day.  Class field trips are welcome as students accompanied by teachers and chaperones may enter the Heritage Festival free of charge between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm. 

The Heritage Festival is a two-day event beginning Friday, May 3rd at 9:00 am concluding Saturday, May 4th at 9:00 pm.  Festival times are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm each day.  Admission is $7.00 per day for adults and children 12 years old or older.  Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge.  Special two-day tickets will be available for purchase on Friday for $10.00 each.  Anyone purchasing a two-day ticket Friday, May 3^rd will be admitted without charge Saturday, May 4th. 

Visit www.halifaxcountyheritagfestival.org for more information and updated schedules when finalized.