2nd Annual Cheese Capital Festival

Friday night highlights included live music and a Mac & Cheese Contest between local restaurants. Attendees sampled mac and cheese from Antoinette’s, Big Billy’s, Cheese Counter, Devour, Racer’s Hall, Red Shorts Cafe, and Sweet Basil. Antoinette’s won the Judge’s Choice for both their Classic and Chili Specialty Mac & Cheese, while Red Shorts Cafe earned the People’s Choice Award for their Creole Mac & Cheese.

Festival goers enjoyed the music of the Abler/McManus Duo and the Charlie Bucket Band.

Saturday kicked off with the Cheese Parade. Despite the rain, parade-goers enjoyed over 30 cheese-themed floats featuring local businesses, organizations, and even the UW-Madison Marching Band! Festivities continued at Stayer Park with a DJ and a Kids Zone that included two bounce houses, face painting, live cows, Addie the Cow, and more!

At 1 pm, the Cheese Eating Contest sponsored by The Big Cheese took place. Sixteen people signed up to compete, leading to a drawing to determine the nine other competitors who would face defending champion Matt Magle, City of Plymouth Street Superintendent. Contestants had 3 minutes to eat as much of a 1lb block of cheese as they could. The winner was… Matt Magle!

At 4 pm, the Cheese Wedge Race commenced down the Mullet River. Four lucky winners received $1,000, $500, $250, and $100 as their cheese foam wedges reached the finish line first.

Additionally, throughout the day, Cheese Talks were held at the Plymouth Arts Center. These included a Cheese Making Demonstration by Sargento, a Cheese Grading Presentation by Masters Gallery, and a Cheese Pairings Presentation by Sartori. Craft and food vendors, along with live music, were also highlights of Saturday. The Saturday entertainment was provided by Swing Crew and the festival closed the night with Smoke Road.

Thank You Event Sponsors: Masters Gallery, Sargento, Sartori, Great Lakes Cheese, and Turnhall Financial Group Tim Saeger Thrivent.