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Noon-midnight on 9/19,
9 am-midnight on 9/20 and 9 am-6 pm, 9/21, Monroe's Courthouse Square
area, with Swiss music & entertainment, food, carnival, arts & crafts
fair, vintage car & tractor show, local tours, parades. Schedule:
www.cheesedays.com or
800-307-7208
When:
09/19/08
Call:
800-307-7208
Web:
www.cheesedays.com
Email:
cheesedays@tds.net
More Information:
Celebrate GREEN COUNTY CHEESE DAYS in Monroe, Wisconsin
3rd weekend of September in even numbered years
September 19 - 21, 2008
Call or email to request a brochure.
Back in 1914, the concept of Cheese Days originated from the notion that
if some little town in Illinois could have a festival commemorating
sauerkraut, then a celebration based on cheese would be an even better
idea.
A group of local businessmen planned the festivities in just nine days,
driving a roadster through the city of Monroe to publicize the event. A
hand-lettered sign attached to the vehicle proclaimed "FIRST CHEESE DAY
COMMITTEE 1914 - WE STARTED SOMETHING!"
And did they ever.
Today we invite you to take part in Cheese Days 2008 - where Old World
tradition has generated an out-of-this-world celebration.
NEW FOR 2008! Family Farm Adventure at Cheese Days, Swiss Postauto
Trolley, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Monroe Theatre Guild Photo Booth, artisan
demonstrations by SmART Communities, Cheese Appetizer Contest, and
"Merchant Street" with space for commercial vendors.
ALL WEEKEND LONG
TASTE OF GREEN COUNTY Eat your way around the square! "Holey" cheese
sandwiches, pork and steak sandwiches, sausages, smoothies, tater chips,
nachos, hand battered deep-fried cheese curds, cream puffs, ice cream,
kettle korn, and more. (Friday noon - 9 pm, Saturday 9 am - 9 pm, Sunday
9 am - close)
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT Variety of entertainers and musical performances on
the stage on the south side of the Courthouse Square, all weekend.
HOSPITALITY TENT AND STAGE Open all weekend with tables and chairs for
you to enjoy your lunch or dinner. See the schedule of events at the
tent or the Cheese Days information trailer for details on entertainment
on the Hospitality Tent Stage.
CHEESE TENT Featuring cheese for sale, and samples of many varieties of
locally produced cheese. (Friday 2 - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday
9 am - 6 pm)
RETAIL SOUVENIR TENT Cheese Days apparel, cheese cutting boards,
commemorative steins, official Cheese Days buttons, and more (next to
the stage). (Friday noon - 9 pm, Saturday 9 am - 9 pm, Sunday 9 am -
close)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE AT GREEN COUNTY CHEESE DAYS Sponsored by Green
County Farm Bureau. Blast open the doors to an ag-venture! Meet some
real dairy calves, see how you measure up to cows and other farm
animals, discover what a cow eats and drinks, test your knowledge of ag
facts, have your picture taken on a giant state-of-the-art tractor, grab
a pedal tractor for a trip around the tent, and walk away with some
goodies. Northwest corner of the Courthouse Square. (Friday 2 - 8 pm,
Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 12:30 pm, and again after parade
until 5 pm)
U.S. POSTAL CANCELLATION AND COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SALE One
cancellation for Friday, September 19 and another for Saturday,
September 20. (Available at RETAIL TENT)
CARNIVAL 1 block south of the square. (Friday 6 - 10 pm, Saturday 10 am
- 10 pm, Sunday 10 am - close)
BERGHOFF AND BLUES Blues festival held on the grounds of the Minhas
Craft Brewery, two blocks southwest of Courthouse Square (see map).
(Friday evening, Saturday noon - close)
ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR Artisans and craftspeople offering original works
for sale. Monroe Middle School grounds south of the Courthouse Square
(see map for location). Free admission to anyone wearing a 2008 Cheese
Days button, otherwise $2. Under 10 free. (Saturday 9 am - 6 pm, Sunday
9 am - 1 pm)
LEARN TO POLKA Experts teach the art of this "heel and toe and away we
go" dance step. Accompanied by accordion music, of course! (see Stage
Entertainment schedule)
SWISS POSTAUTO BUS TROLLEY Saturday 10 am - 6 pm: continuous loops with
stops near downtown Parking Ramp, Minhas Craft Brewery, Arts and Crafts
Show, and Turner Hall. Sunday 9 am - noon: continuous loops with stops
near the downtown Parking Ramp, Arts and Crafts Show, and Turner Hall.
HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER Guides in Swiss costumes host tours in the
restored depot which doubles as a shrine to the cheesemaking legacy of
the area. Discover a treasure trove of cheesemaking and dairy farming
equipment, memorabilia, and lore. Visit the Milk House Gift Shop. $2.
2108 - 6th Ave, at the intersection of Hwy. 69 south and 21st St. (this
is a stop on the park and ride shuttle bus - see the map for shuttle
stop locations) (Friday through Sunday 9 am - 4 pm)
MONROE ARTS CENTER Featuring special gallery exhibits including "Monroe
Re-Photography" by Dennis Dalton - offering a then and now perspective
of the buildings and sights in Monroe, and "History of Cheese Days"
showcasing archival photos as well as collector's memorabilia dating
back to the early days of the festival. Two blocks west of the Square
under the church steeple. (Friday through Sunday 9 am - 4 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY "Oldest in the Midwest" with brewing tradition
since 1845. Enjoy samples of beers, iEnergy Energy Drink, and Blumer's
old fashioned sodas in the Lazy Mutt Lounge. $10 admission includes beer
and other products ($15 value). Two blocks from the Courthouse Square.
(Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 10 am - noon, on the hour)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Located in a former church built during
the Civil War and featuring local history, and a one-room country
schoolhouse. $2 adults, $1 for kids 12 - 18, under 12 free. One block
north of the Courthouse Square. (Friday noon - 6 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5
pm, Sunday 9 am - 1 pm)
PHOTO BOOTH Commemorate your visit to Cheese Days with a photo
opportunity! Picture your friends or family in Swiss attire romping in
the Alps, or as dairy cows grazing in the pasture. For a small fee - use
your camera or have a photo taken by us. Sponsored by Monroe Theatre
Guild. 910 - 16th Ave. Across from library. (Friday 4 - 7, Saturday 9 am
- 6 pm, Sunday 10 am - noon)
SWISS ROOTS TENT- How Swiss Are You? Learn more about Swiss culture,
discover your own personal Swiss heritage, and find out about famous
people and famous products with Swiss Roots. Use a computer in the tent
to log on to swissroots.org to enter the sweepstakes.
DAILY SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19 (ALSO SEE ABOVE - FOR ACTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND)
* STAGE ENTERTAINMENT - starts at 12:30 pm
* SWISS COOKING from Turner Hall with Kurt Kline and Gert Waelchli - on
the stage (12:30 pm)
* POLKA LESSONS AT THE STAGE (2:30 pm)
* OPENING CEREMONY - marking the official opening of the 2006 Green
County Cheese Days - with a parade of Swiss bells and flags, ceremonial
blowing of the Alphorns, and entertainment by the Monroe Swiss Singers
(5 pm)
* CHILDREN'S COSTUME PARADE - around the square - featuring the Cheese
Days Prince and Princess, the Monroe Middle School Band, and lots of fun
surprises! (5:30 pm)
* CHEESE APPETIZER RECIPE CONTEST - finals in the Hospitality Tent (6:30
pm)
* STREET DANCE - on the Courthouse Square with music by the Mike Austin
Band (9 - 11:30 pm)
* SWISS ROOTS AND ROYALTY BALL - don't miss this gala event hosted by
Swiss Roots at Turner Hall! Coronation of Cheese Days Kinq and Queen
Gary and Corie Grossen, introduction of dignitaries and honored guests
at 9 pm. Cheese tasting extravaganza, special surprises and activities
throughout the weekend, plus drawing for 2-round trip airline tickets to
Switzerland. Musical entertainment by the Zweifel Brothers Band.
Everyone is invited! $6. (8 pm - midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 (ALSO SEE ABOVE - FOR ACTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND)
* CHEESE DAYS CHASE - accurate times with time chip technology! 5 and 10
k run and 2 mile fun walk - awards to top 3 in each of 7 divisions and
commemorative t-shirts to all participants. $20 advance registration,
$25 day of race. (Check-in 7:45 am, race at 9 am)
* GOLF OUTING - open to the public at the Monroe Country Club. All
golfers eligible for raffle prizes - golfers must register through the
Cheese Days office by September 12. Fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart
rental. Tee times between 8 am - noon.
* VINTAGE CAR AND TRACTOR DISPLAY - courtesy of Yesteryear Car Club,
Antique Wheelers, and Monroe Antique Tractor Club (9 am - 5 pm)
* Green County SmART Communities Booth - enjoy demonstrations in a
variety of artistic forms. Ask questions and get hands-on experience.
Discover our local arts and learn more about the SmART Communities
project. At the Arts and Crafts Fair (9 am - 6 pm)
* "HEART OF CHEESE DAYS" Exhibit and Sales - Experience the Old World
culture that gave rise to Cheese Days! Swiss folk artisans in action,
Swiss artifact and heritage displays, plus traditional Swiss treats and
folk art items for sale - presented by the Monroe Swiss Singers at
Turner Hall. FREE admission to anyone wearing a 2008 Cheese Days button.
(10 am - 3 pm)
* KIDDIE PEDAL TRACTOR PULL - open to kids ages 3 - 10. No entry fee.
Prizes for all participants. In front of Post Office. (11 am - noon)
* HOSPITALITY TENT STAGE - check the schedule at the tent for specific
times beer and cheese sampling, cooking demos, author talks, free stuff,
and special guests. (starting at 11 am)
* STAGE ENTERTAINMENT (starts at 11 am)
* OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION - watch as veteran cheesemakers
create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese in an antique copper kettle.
Narrated presentation led by John Bussman. (noon - 4 pm)
* COW MILKING CONTEST - fun for all ages. Cheese Days royalty, local
celebrities, and teams from the area compete for prizes. Open to the
public. (1 pm)
* POLKA LESSONS AT THE STAGE (1:30 pm)
* KIDDIE PEDAL TRACTOR PULL - open to kids ages 3 - 10. No entry fee.
Prizes for all participants. In front of Post Office. (4 - 5 pm)
* POLKA LESSONS AT THE STAGE (4:45 pm)
* CHEESEMAKER'S BALL - at Turner Hall with old time music by the Greg
Anderson Band. Award presentation at 9 pm to the champion cheesemakers
and samples of prize-winning cheese from the Cheesemaking Competition.
Open to the public - $6 (8 pm - midnight)
* STREET DANCE - on the Courthouse Square with the Copper Box Band (8:30
- 11:30 pm)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 (ALSO SEE ABOVE - FOR ACTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND)
* STAGE ENTERTAINMENT (before and after the parade)
* THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE - giant parade honoring Swiss
heritage, the dairy and cheese industry, and entertainment for everyone.
(parade steps off from the Green County Fairgrounds at 12:30 pm)
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
12:30 pm Swiss Cooking from Turner Hall with Kurt Kline & Gert Waelchli
1:30 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
2:30 pm Polka Lessons led by Steve & Sharon Streiff
3:00 pm Del Heins - Accordion
3:30 pm To Be Announced
4:00 pm Gems of Green County (YMCA Tumblers)
4:30 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
5:00 pm CHEESE DAYS OPENING CEREMONY
5:30 pm Children's Parade - around the square
6:00 pm Childen's Showcase of Talent
7:00 pm New Glarus Kinderchor (children's choir) led by Kaye Gmur
7:30 pm New Glarus Swiss Miss Dancers
7:45 pm Alphorn Entertainment
8:00 pm Green County Harmony Chorus
8:00 pm Turner Hall - Swiss Roots/Royalty Ball with the Zweifel Brothers
Band
8:30 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
9:00 pm Street Dance on the square - Mike & David Austin Band
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
11:00 am Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
12:00 pm Monroe City Band directed by Randy Schneeberger
1:00 pm Introduction of Cheese Days Royalty & Dignitaries
1:30 pm Polka Lessons led by Steve & Sharon Streiff
2:00 pm Yodeling with Ernie & Theresa Jaggi, Tony Zgraggen, & Daisy
Peterson
2:30 pm To Be Announced
4:00 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
4:45 pm Polka Lessons led by Steve & Sharon Streiff
5:15pm Toni Blum Seitz - Yodeling
5:30 pm John Wegmueller - Schwyzeroergeli
5:45 pm Swiss Roots on Stage
6:00 pm New Glarus Maennerchor
6:30 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
7:30 pm Swiss Alpine Festival with Monroe Swiss Singers, led by Deb
Krauss Smith
8:00 pm Turner Hall - Cheesemakers Ball with the Greg Anderson Band
8:30 pm Street Dance on the square - Copper Box Band
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
9:00 am Swiss Canton Fashion Show - presented by the New Glarus
Usherettes, led by Kaye Gmur
9:30 am Polka Ecumenical Worship Service - hosted by Union Presbyterian
Church
10:30 am Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
11:30 am Goodtime Dutchman Band with Ralph Thull
12:45 pm THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE
3:00 pm Goodtime Dutchman Band with Ralph Thull
4:30 pm New Glarus Yodel Club
5:00 pm Kerry Christensen - Alpine & Western Yodeling
Schedule subject to changes due to circumstances beyond the control of
Green County Cheese Days.
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