Parade Application and Guidelines

PARADE APPLICATIONS will be available in May 2024.

Make sure you choose the correct application. Due July 1, 2024.

FLOAT or UNIT For businesses, clubs, youth groups, special interest groups, tractors, business mascots, churches. Limited to those located in Green County. Exceptions may be made for Wheel of Swiss sponsors, state or regional ag/cheese/dairy organizations, or others at discretion of Cheese Days Board of Directors. FLOATS OR UNITS ARE REQUIRED be decorated, signed, themed to reflect one or more of the following: Cheese, Dairy Farming, Agriculture, Swiss Heritage. Applications lacking details on theme and signage will be returned.

ENTERTAINER For marching bands, drum lines, live music, clowns, dancers, drill teams, horse/carriage, jugglers, stilt walkers, etc.

DIGNITARY For city/county elected officials, Swiss consulate special guests, veteran groups, etc.

Please review PARADE GUIDELINES to avoid the disappointment of having your application returned. Also keep in mind that on parade day, Cheese Days may deny entry to any float or unit that has not been decorated, signed, or themed as ndicated on your application.

CHEESE DAYS

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.

100 years later, we invite you to take part in our centennial Cheese Days 2014 – where old-world tradition has generated an out-of-this-world celebration.

Help us celebrate our Swiss heritage with traditional music, dance, drinks, food, and extraordinary cheese!