World Dairy Expo will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.  In honor of this achievement a historical book of the last 50 years of Expo memories is being created. The commemorative book  will be a limited edition entitled, “We Need a Show,” and will follow the show’s struggles and successes through the years.  The book will also explore ideas about what the future holds for the Expo.

“The show’s growth and development into the world’s most respected and renowned dairy event is, indeed, a success story,” said Corey Geiger, Hoard’s Dairyman managing editor and 50th Anniversary Book Committee co-chair. “We Need a Show is the story of that successful journey.”

The project spanned three years, and was a collaboration of dozens of volunteer writers who put in hundreds of hours of research, writing and editing. In all, 40 writers contributed to the book, bringing 50 years of insight and memories to life. With eight chapters and over 200 pictures, the hard-cover book features interviews with Expo legends and iconic images that bring the story to life.

“While not every story could be told on these pages,” said Geiger, “we hope we have captured the spirit of the world’s greatest dairy show.”

The book’s title hints at the origins of World Dairy Expo, when Wisconsin dairyman Allen Hetts had the idea that the dairy industry needed a grand show.  “It provides the theme for the book as the rallying cry of ‘we need a show’ was the first step of the 50-year journey that led to World Dairy Expo as we know it today,” said Geiger.

The book will sell exclusively during the Expo, beginning September 29, 2015.  The cost is $25 plus tax and will be available for purchase at the Purple Cow Gift Shop in the west lobby of the Coliseum.

The World Dairy Expo is being held Sept. 29- Oct. 3, 2015 at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI.  The theme for the year is “Dairy in our DNA.”  Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter, @WDExpo or #WDE15.