*Special Guest Blog* This upcoming June, the Minnesota Holstein Association will be hosting Holstein enthusiasts from across the country for the 2010 National Holstein Convention. After many years of planning and hard work, we invite you to enjoy Minnesota’s natural beauty in both Holstein black and white and living color June 26-29. In the upcoming months, look to the All Breeds Blog for further information regarding the convention and the Host State, posted by the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association Board of Directors. First up is an invitation and convention schedule from current MJHA Reporter, Elizabeth Olson.

Greetings from Minnesota!

I am so excited to invite you all to Minnesota this June as our state association adult and junior members host the 2010 National Holstein Convention. This year marks the 125th Anniversary of our national association AND the 100th Anniversary of Minnesota Holstein. A perfect time for us to showcase the people and Holsteins of our state. Now that we are just a few months away, I’d like to share with you a detailed run down of this year’s convention schedule . . .

Saturday, June 27 – The Distinguished Junior Member and National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization interviews will be conducted, along with the Dairy Jeopardy contest, and Prepared Public Speaking contest. New this year, Public Speaking participants will be video tapped while presenting with the hopes of earning the top prize paired with posting your speech on the Holstein USA website. Dairy Bowl teams, as well as anyone interested in partaking in the 1st Annual Dairy Knowledge Quiz contest, will take their written exam while advisors attend the coaches’ meeting. Opening night of entertainment includes Minnesotan mixers, state gift exchange, banner contest and a DJ to dance the night away!

Sunday, June 28 (Host Day) – Convention goers have two tour options – either down the Mississippi river to the South or heading out West. Option A is traveling South to gorgeous Lake City, MN while touring Spa-Ska Farm , enjoying a leisurely ride down the Mississippi River, and stopping by the National Eagle Center.The West option features four Holstein farms including Flower-Brook Holsteins, Glenmark Genetics/Bonnie Mohr Studio, Floralawn Holsteins, and Raylore Farm (that’s my family’s farm!). After the tours, both juniors and adults will reconvene at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the Experience Minnesota Family Night for a delicious dinner and dancing to the Johnny Holm Band.

Monday, June 29th – Simultaneously during the Dairy Bowl contest, constant shuttles will be running from dusk till dawn for everyone interested in attending amusement and water park, Valleyfair. This destination boasts over 10 different extreme rollercoasters, over 30 specialty rides, and a one-year old water park. That evening, attendees will enjoy a top tier sale with a special Minnesota themed Fish Fry sale meal. Later on, Juniors will unwind at the Beach Bash Junior Dance.

Tuesday, June 29th – Starting bright and early, the Dairy Bowl Finals will commence followed by the National Junior Forum. Also, recognition to a variety of members will be announced at the Junior Luncheon. To cap off the fun filled week, juniors will have the chance to enjoy the Twin Cities at the brand new Target Field that host’s the Minnesota Twins major league baseball team!

Don’t forget that the dairy bar will be open daily, along with having daily shuttles to and from the Airport and Mall of America. Some 520 stores, 50 restaurants, underground aquarium, and theme park await you in America’s most popular shopping center.

Make plans now to ‘Get Hooked’ on Minnesota at the 2010 National Junior Holstein Convention in Bloomington, MN. Visit www.holsteinconvention2010.com for booking information, updates, registration and schedules.

Our junior members are anxiously awaiting our annual state convention which will be held this weekend, March 19 – 21, at the Holiday Inn in Owatonna, home to the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park! Check back next week for a report and pictures from the convention as we continue to help you get to know us Minnesotans!

- Elizabeth