By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
A large group of moms and kids from Moapa Valley descended on the Anderson Dairy facility in Las Vegas on Monday, July 16 for a special mid-summer tour.
This group of 50-60 people was greeted by a friendly tour guide who took the group through a full tour of the operation and production that takes place at this working dairy.
The dairy provides a short film on the establishment of the business. The documentary describes the struggle and innovation it took to bring a dairy to the desert.
Anderson Dairy began in 1907 when a man named Harry Anderson began a small working dairy on a patch of land that is now University Medical Center on Charleston in Las Vegas. This dream grew from a meager beginning of 10-15 cows to a huge dairy empire.
The tour continued through the plant, allowing the group to see how milk is gathered and pasteurized.
The kids were then introduced to the art of ice cream-making. Everyone was eager for this portion of the day. They were able to not only see how the ice cream is made, but they could also watch the extra ingredients, such as cookies added to the yummy frozen dessert.
Another favorite moment of the day was the animated barn animals. The cow and owl were a particular hit. During this time the kids could ask the animals questions and interact with them.
While the animated animals were one of the favorites, for most it was the very end of the adventure that they loved. This included free ice cream made right on site.
The tour was part of a series of summer activities being organized by a group of local moms, with the help of social media.
The effort got its start with an online “field trip calendar” being created by Moapa resident Natalie Staley. Staley shared the calendar with family and friends in an attempt to keep the kids socialized and entertained through the summer.
At the same time, Logandale moms Hanna Hadley and Erika Whitmore were also making calendars of their own.
In the end, all three ladies decided to “share” their calendars on a combined Facebook page entitled “Moapa Summer Fun.” The page invites followers to join in the different activities planned. Some of these field trips are limited in the number of participants allowed. While other events invite anyone and everyone.
Hadley was pleased with the experience of the Anderson Dairy tour.
“It is a great place to visit with family and friends,” Hadley said. “It is definitely worth calling and making a reservation to take your family.”
Anderson Dairy has always made an effort to be part of the community. They often donate milk and ice cream to different Valley events as well as the Las Vegas valley. For more information about Anderson Dairy, please contact them at: 702-642-7507
