Cortland County Dairy Parade – June 3

Posted by Dustin Horton // May 27, 2025 // Festivals, News

6:30 pm

Cortland County Dairy Promotion is a local committee dedicated to supporting the dairy industry and promoting the consumption of New York State dairy products within Cortland County. Made up of local dairy farmers, agricultural advocates, and community volunteers, the committee works to connect consumers with the people and stories behind their milk, cheese, yogurt, and more. The Cortland County Dairy Promotion Committee has been active for many years, and while our group has grown and evolved over time, our mission remains the same: to promote nature’s nearly perfect food – milk – and its many byproducts. We organize educational outreach, participate in community events, and proudly support youth programs that highlight the importance of dairy in our daily lives. We are also proud to be the home of one of the largest dairy-focused parades in New York State, The Cortland County Dairy Parade is held annually on the first Tuesday in June—a beloved local tradition that brings the community together to celebrate our agricultural roots. Our committee is always looking for new members who share a passion for dairy, agriculture, and community involvement. Won’t you be the next to join us?

The Cortland Dairy Parade is a cherished annual event that celebrates the importance of the dairy industry to our local economy, heritage, and community life. The event is organized by the Cortland County Dairy Promotion Committee, with support from area businesses, non-profit organizations, agricultural groups, and dedicated volunteers. It serves as an opportunity to recognize the hard work and contributions of local dairy farmers and those involved in agriculture throughout Cortland County. Each year, the parade features close to 100 entries, including local businesses, civic organizations, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, youth groups, high school marching bands, and community members. Parade participants are asked to embrace the dairy theme with creative dairy-inspired costumes and decorations, such as cow prints, milk mustaches, ice cream cones, wedges of cheese, and oversized milk cartons. The result is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that honors the agricultural roots of our community.

Parade Details

Date & Time: Always the first Tuesday in June, the parade steps off at 6:30 pm, this year the parade is on June 3rd.
Starting Location: The parade begins at the corner of Arthur Street and North Main Street in Cortland.
Route: The parade proceeds north towards the hospital along Main Street, concluding at the Cortland County Fairgrounds.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and find a good viewing spot along the route. The parade is free to attend and welcoming to all.

Post-Parade Activities

After the parade ends, the celebration continues at the fairgrounds, where two featured events take place:

Parade Awards Ceremony: Honors are presented to stand out entries in several categories, recognizing creativity, enthusiasm, and community spirit.
Dairy Ambassador Presentation: Formerly known as the Dairy Princess Crowning, this event introduces and celebrates young leaders selected to represent and advocate for the dairy industry in Cortland County throughout the 2025-2026 year.

The Cortland County Dairy Ambassador Program is a local leadership development and advocacy initiative designed to empower young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry. The program selects ambassadors to represent Cortland County’s dairy farmers and promote the importance and benefits of dairy products to the public. Ambassadors are chosen based on their communication skills, enthusiasm for the dairy industry, and potential to serve as effective advocates. Once selected, participants receive training in public speaking, social media outreach, and other essential communication strategies to help them share the dairy story with confidence and clarity. Cortland County Dairy Ambassadors act as spokespeople for the local dairy community. They engage with the public to educate consumers on a variety of topics, including: the nutritional value of dairy products, the care and dedication of dairy farmers, and the vital role dairy plays in the New York State economy.