With June just a couple of months away, the countdown has officially begun for one of Tillamook County’s most cherished traditions: the June Dairy Parade. As schools let out the energy builds; dance studios are perfecting their routines for the parade route, while local businesses and organizations gather supplies to decorate their floats, attendees finalize their plans for the big day, including prep for all the fun giveaways. (Cheese or jerky sticks, anyone?!)
Our 69th anniversary on Saturday, June 27, holds a very special significance this year. Under the theme “Stars, Stripes, and Dairy Delights,” we are honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday by blending national pride with the deep agricultural roots of our region. This parade serves as a heartfelt tribute to the hardworking people who make Tillamook County such an incredible place to call home.
The parade is far more than just a simple procession through town; it is a living history book that tells the story of our home. While the modern version we celebrate today officially began in 1957, the roots of this tradition reach back even further. According to archives from the Headlight Herald, Tillamook’s very first dairy parade took place in the 1920s—more than a decade before National Dairy Month was even established.
That 1957 “relaunch” of the parade featured 28 entries and was famously delayed by rain. Those early years were full of unique local flair, featuring cow-milking contests between the county’s mayors and tug-of-war matches between local service clubs. This rich history reminds us that while the floats have grown larger and the milking contests have faded away, the heart of the celebration has remained unchanged for generations.
A huge part of what keeps this tradition moving forward each year is our partnership with the Tillamook County Creamery Association. As our primary sponsor, the Creamery ensures the parade remains a high-energy spectacle for everyone to enjoy. You can usually catch them delighting the crowds with their famous “Baby Loaf” buses, appearances by local dairy royalty, and those fan-favorite cheese samples handed out along the route. Their continued support is vital in keeping this community celebration rolling year after year.
While the parade itself lasts less than a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, the effort required to bring it to life is months in the making. Organizing an event of this scale involves meticulous planning and careful coordination. Much of this heavy lifting happens behind the scenes at the Chamber, where our Office Manager, Tammy, has the process down to a science. From navigating city permits and working with local law enforcement to ensuring a safe route for everyone involved, her dedication is the engine that keeps this tradition moving.
If you would like to be a part of this historic celebration, now is the time to get involved. The Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for those who wish to enter a float, group, or vehicle in the procession. You can submit your entry form directly on the Chamber’s website here to reserve your spot in the lineup. Additionally, a key part of our tradition is honoring a leader who has made a significant impact on our community. Another essential part of our parade tradition is the selection of the Grand Marshal, and we need your help to choose this year’s honoree. This is your chance to recognize someone who truly embodies the spirit of Tillamook, especially those in the farming and agriculture industry who deserve to be celebrated for their contributions.
All of this hard work pays off when you see the incredible turnout on parade day. The 69th Annual June Dairy Parade will officially kick off at 11:00 AM in the heart of downtown. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this year’s patriotic theme promises a morning filled with nostalgic charm. We encourage everyone to come out early, find a prime spot on the sidewalk, and join us in celebrating the heritage and the people who keep Tillamook County so incredible.