Meeker County ADA's malt stand at new location

By Carol Stender
cstender@agrinews.com

Date Modified: 08/13/2012 1:21 PM

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LITCHFIELD, Minn. — A ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new malt stand on the Meeker County fairgrounds.

The county's American Dairy Association stand was located in the commercial building for 27 years, says ADA member Lori Christofferson of Litchfield. Its popularity often led to congested aisles as customers waited for their treats. The new malt stand is in its own building located in a high traffic area and offers ample room for both workers and customers.

Christofferson and her husband, Bob, started effort. They thought a vacant building on the fairgrounds would be a good location. The couple, both Meeker County ADA board members, brought the idea to the association. It was also approved by the county fair board.

First, they needed funds. The ADA asked businesses and dairy farmers for donations. Bruce Cottington, a Meeker County ADA advisor and long time dairy supporter, contacted businesses for donations.

Once the funds were received, ADA members and dairy supporters completed the work. The electrical system was changed to accommodate the ice cream and malt machines, Christofferson said. The building also needed sewer and water hook ups. Some ceiling tiles and walls were replaced. ADA consultant Melissa Tangen and her husband, Blake, installed the counter. Installation included a new malt machine.

The ADA served about 4,500 shakes and 2,000 ice cream cones during the county's four-day fair at the old location, Christofferson said. They hope to increase those numbers given the new high traffic location. They can also set their own hours to accommodate crowds attending evening grandstand events .

The Peanut Butter and Milk Festival committee, Center Bank, Dassel's Red Rooster Days royalty and Meeker County Dairy Princesses and ambassadors help staff the stand.

Janet Huhn, a Peanut Butter and Milk committee member, likes the new building. Huhn said it's roomy to work in and more visible.

The malt stand opening was just one of several special events highlighted during Meeker County's 140th fair.

ADA board members who worked on the stand include Mark Adams, Danielle Heuer, Casey and Holly Anderson, Bob and Lori Christofferson, Vaughn and Joan Euerle, Joe and Krista Jans, John and Carol Warren, and advisors John and Bette Nyman, Melissa Tangen and Bruce Cottington.

Donations were received from Plydome, Sparboe Farms, Form-A-Feed Ag Service, First District Association, Meeker Cooperative, Center National Bank and United FCS. Also donating were Consumers Co-op, Mar-Doll Farm, Co-Jo Dairy, Alpha Dairy, Hulterstrom Bros., Inc., R-L Acres, Settergren Farm, Christofferson Bros. Dairy, Lux-Ury Holsteins, Inc., Augusta Motor Works, Becker Bros. Dairy, Land )'Lakes, VFW Post 2818, Peanut Butter and Milk Festival. Cottington Foods, Hantge Funeral Chapel, American Legion Post 104, Sheriff Jeff Norlin, Barry White and Viking Signs.