his festival has been around since 1936. It was originally created to help dairy farmers increase their business. According to the festival's website, many dairy farmers from Europe settled in the area, making it a prime spot for cheese production. Business declined in the 1930s, so the first Cheese Festival was organized to boost sales. The inaugural event took place on September 29-30, 1936.
After winning a prestigious national award a few years ago, this cheese is STILL the reigning champion-- and you can find it not too far away from Rochester.