ELLSWORTH – The annual Cheese Curd Festival, celebrating the town’s designation as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin,” kicks off this Friday, June 21, from 4-10 p.m., and continues through Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m to 10 p.m. This year’s festival promises food and fun for all ages, offering a variety of tasting events, live entertainment, and a celebration of all things cheese curds in Ellsworth’s East End Park and business district.

The Cheese Curd Festival, recently recognized by USA Today as the #3 Specialty Food Festival in the nation, is gaining a reputation as a paradise for food lovers.

“The festival’s growth and recognition on a national level is a testament to our community’s dedication and passion for showcasing our locally produced cheese curds from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery,” says Kim Beebe, Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re hoping for big crowds again this year and always look forward to welcoming visitors from locations near and far to Ellsworth to experience what makes our cheese curds—and community—so special.”

Of course, the festival’s namesake will be the event’s starring food. Attendees will find a variety of unique cheese curd items, from the classic hand-battered deep-fried curds to innovative offerings from professional food trucks and vendors. Each year, the festival offers a never-before-been-fried cheese curd flavor, in addition to Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s natural white cheddar cheese curds and deep-fried cinnamon sugar dessert curds. This year’s specialty flavor will be Garlic Dill Cheese Curds—Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s famous natural cheese curds with a light and bright dill seasoning and a touch of garlic. They will be fried up golden brown and served with ranch dipping sauce.

“The committee and the creamery team really hit a home run with this year’s special flavor,” says Beebe. “They are delicious!”

Sixteen food vendors will be at this year’s event, lined up along Food Truck Alley on Wall Street. Popular favorites Smokey Treats BBQ, Kannel’s In-Hog-Nito!, Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, The Hungry Badger, and several others will be back again. New food vendors include Lil Ferrucci’s Kitchen and Smack Daddy Gourmet Grub, among others. Each vendor will offer creative cheese curd dishes on their menus.

Once again, unique tasting events can be found under the Taste of Wisconsin tent where festival attendees will have the opportunity to experience food and drink in a whole new way. Highlights include the popular Corks & Kegs event. This adult happy hour-style tasting experience features local and regional craft beer, wine, and hard cider, with unlimited sampling, light appetizers, and a souvenir tasting glass. Also returning this year is Craft & Curd: Paired. Part tasting and part competition, six local breweries will vie for the best brew and cheese curd pairing. The winner of the competition will be determined by festival attendees. The Cheese Block Party will take guests on a journey through Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, with over 30 varieties available for tasting, complemented by insights from guest cheese experts. Family-friendly tastings like the Ice Cream Tasting and Milk and Cookie Pairing mean there’s something for guests of all ages. Tickets for some tasting events are available in advance online.

“The tasting events are a fantastic way for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of our state and region,” Beebe noted. “We love offering these unique experiences that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of our local producers. It’s one of the things that makes our festival so special.”

Great music is the perfect pairing to all that delicious food, and this year’s festival entertainment lineup will feature an array of regional acts performing continuously on multiple stages. From rock to country to blues, the live music offerings cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. Them Pesky Kids will perform on Friday evening. Saturday’s entertainment lineup includes The Hot Mess, Vivian Hayes & the Hi-Praise, Debbie Briggs, Jim Stairs & Squishy Mud, and more. The entire entertainment schedule can be found at CheeseCurdFestival.com.

In addition to the food and music, festival favorites like the Classic Car Show, attracting car enthusiasts of all ages, and the Artisan Market, which showcases unique handmade and handcrafted items, will provide visitors with even more to see and do. Don’t miss the Cheese Curd Eating Contest, a crowd favorite that promises excitement and fun for participants and spectators alike.

The Cheese Curd Festival is not just about indulging in delicious cheese curds; it’s a celebration of Ellsworth’s rich cheesemaking heritage and spirit of community collaboration.

“This festival is a true reflection of Ellsworth’s community spirit and our collective effort to honor our cheesemaking heritage and make an impact in the community,” Beebe added. “It’s heartening to see how the festival brings together residents and visitors alike to celebrate our town.”

Admission is free, with food, beverages, and tickets to tasting experiences available for purchase. Parking and shuttle service for festival attendees is also free. Watch for signs to guide you to the official Cheese Curd Festival parking lots. A continuous stream of shuttle buses will have guests from their vehicles to the festival grounds within minutes. For more information, tasting event tickets, and a complete schedule of events, visit CheeseCurdFestival.com. For breaking festival news and announcements, follow along on Facebook at fb.com/CheeseCurdFestival.

Submitted by Cheese Curd Festival Committee