1016 16th Avenue, Monroe, WI, 53566, United States
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. After skipping 2020 and 2021 (it’s an every-other-year festival, after all) Green County Cheese Days is back for 2022, happening September 16th through the 18th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771 Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 16
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 17
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
Calendar of Events
Green County Cheese Days
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Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. After skipping 2020 and 2021 (it’s an every-other-year festival, after all) Green County Cheese Days is back for 2022, happening September 16th through the 18th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
You can check out the Children’s Parade on Friday and the main Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade on Sunday.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771
Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 16
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3:15 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall (3–7:30 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (4 – 11 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Children’s Swiss Music Concert (4:15 pm)
CHILDREN’S COSTUME PARADE (Chinder Trachte Umzug) – Prince & Princess lead the parade (5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 17
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Miss Dancers (2:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Doo Wop Daddies (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Ecumenical Worship Serivice (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
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