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Fun Facts & Points of Interest

Monroe’s cheesy story began “once upon a time” when farmers made their own cheese from the milk of their own dairy herds. Learn more with a visit to the Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory and a guided tour at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. The bell in the clock tower of the Historic Green County Courthouse has been striking the hour since 1891. Visit on weekdays for a self- guided tour, a peek into the past in the History Room, and photo opp with judge's robe and gavel. Disc golf, swimming pool, skater’s ramps, tennis courts, handicap accessible playgrounds, and more – on 110 acres of parkland.

Sniff the air! It might be a fragrant Limburger cheese sandwich from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern, popcorn popping at Rainbow Confections, chocolate melting at the Bakery at Colony Brands, or beer brewing downtown at historic Minhas Craft Brewery or newer Bullquarian Brewhouse. 2018 Mission Monroe – go on an interplanetary expedition with Main Street Monroe’s summer space theme. (Kick-Off on June 2) Hot Air, Hot Blues, Cool Brews: Monroe’s Balloon and Blues Fest is back on Father’s Day weekend. The family-friendly Badger State Trail offers bikers a view of Green

and enjoy the retro vibe at Monroe Den Roller Rink. Roll with it - take #3: Cheese factories in the area churn out more than 100 different varieties of cheese, including those of Hispanic, Greek, Dutch, and Danish origin. Stay awhile: lodging options are motels, bed and breakfast, and campground. For the best of the area’s visual and performing arts – it’s Monroe Arts Center. A 2016 renovation and addition to the center’s historic church brought new gallery spaces along with handicap accessibility to the concert hall. Follow Monroe Arts Center on Facebook for the latest arts and entertainment news. Got rhubarb? Downtown Monroe’s Farmer’s Market on the Square is your best bet for the freshest in seasonal produce, as well as jam, honey, meats, soaps and more. Join the fun at the oldest food fest in the Midwest, on the Square in downtown Monroe: Green County Cheese Days. Held every other year on the third weekend in September, the festival features Wisconsin’s only parade led by a herd of Brown Swiss cows. Also on the schedule – yodeling and alphorns, polka music, the giant cheese tent, and deep- fried cheese curds perfected by the Monroe Optimist club.

County’s pastoral scenery. Alp and Dell Cheese Store’s owner Tony Zgraggen is a Swiss native and longtime member of the New Glarus Yodel Club. He’s the featured yodeler this fall in a TV spot promoting Wisconsin. Roll with it - take #1: A designated route takes you from the ATV trailhead to motels, camping at the Green County Fairgrounds, and dining downtown.

Roll with it - take #2: Lace on some skates

Map Key page 61.

Celtic Pub Crawl - March 10 Farm Toy Show - March 11

Community Garage Sales - May 11-12 Cars on the Square* - June 1 Summer Kick-Off on the Square* - June 2 “Pickers” Flea Market - June 2-3 Old Time Cheesemaking - June 9

Balloon and Blues Festival - June 15-16 4th of July at Twining Park - July 4 8 Miles of “Ag-tiques” - July 7-8 Green County Fair - July 18-22

Maxwell Street Days* - August 3-4 Cars on the Square* - August 24 “Pickers” Flea Market - September 8-9 Green County Cheese Days - September 14-16 Minhas Monroe Film Festival - September 15

Fall National Tractor Pull - September 22 Tractor Drive & Ride - September 23 Model Railroad Show - September 29-30 Trunk or Treat & Parade* - October 31 Swiss Fest at Turner Hall - November 4 Christkindlmarkt - November 23-24

Lighted Christmas Parade* - November 30 Tree Lighting at Turner Hall - December 7 *Event Presented by Main Street Monroe

St. Patrick’s Day Parade* - March 17 Home & Business Expo - April 7-8 Outdoor Farmers Market Begins* - May 2

These are just some of our events; check the calendar at the back of the guide for more.

Visit MonroeChamber.org and MainStreetMonroe.org for updates and details.