When it comes to celebrating heritage few places do it better than Wisconsin. And what’s better to celebrate than our connection to cheese? The history dates back to the 19th century when immigrants, attracted to the fertile land here, started producing cheese to preserve extra milk provided by their livestock. In 1841 the first first commercial cheese factory began operation. By the mid 20th century, Wisconsin had more than 1,500 factories churning out over 500 million pounds of cheese every year. This cheese festival celebrates all things dairy and Wisconsin’s connection to it.

Green County Cheese Days might be the best representation of what Wisconsin is all about.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
The annual tradition came to be more than 100 years ago in 1914. It's simple origins comes from a bit of healthy competition, actually. A group of Monroe businessmen visited a small town in Illinois to take part in the local sauerkraut festival. Of course, there was no doubt that a cheese festival would be better and they set to work planning their own. In just 19 days!
Today, the event is three days of festivities, including a cow milking contest.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
Of course, there's also cheese tasting and beer sampling.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
There's a whole lot of polka dancing and yodeling.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
And good ol' fashioned live music.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook

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Don't forget the accordion music and dairy farm tours.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
And, perhaps the most important part of the entire festival: Wedgie, the official Cheese Day mascot.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
He's so important that he has his very own Facebook page!
Wedgie - Cheese Days Mascot / Facebook
The events also include opportunities to learn more about cheese making.
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook
And there's also a rocking parade!
Cheese Days Festival / Facebook

While each day so of the Green County Cheese Festival is fun, the history is the most important element. The intent of the event is to celebrate the Swiss heritage of the area and the heritage of cheese in the area. If you’re a Wisconsin native or simply passing through, this is a wonderful way to get more in touch with the local culture. The event takes place from September 14 – 16, 2018. Click here to check out the website to learn more. And, stay up to date with news on the event at the official Facebook page.

To satisfy more cheese cravings, check out these 12 cheese spots located throughout the state.

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