MONROE — Just in time for the holiday season, Green County Cheese Days is introducing a brand-new collectible that pays tribute to the region’s cheesemaking heritage. The Cheese Days Store is now offering custom-crafted replica wooden cheese boxes — an authentic nod to the era when small cheese factories dotted the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin and shipped their famed “Green County Gold” in wooden containers.
These keepsake boxes were handcrafted from locally sourced basswood by Jason Kundert of Deppeler Wood Shop. Enhancing their charm, the boxes feature the handwriting of Deb Hutchinson, the 2026 Cheese Days Queen. The collaboration carries special meaning: Hutchinson, a retired teacher who taught cursive for many years, was Kundert’s 4th-grade teacher back in 1983.
“This piece is more than just a souvenir,” said Cheese Days Director Noreen Rueckert. “It represents the local craftsmanship and cheesemaking history that make the festival so special.”
These limited-edition cheese boxes, retailing for $25, are available at the Cheese Days Store, located in the lower level of the Historic Green County Courthouse, 1016 16th Avenue in downtown Monroe. Shoppers are invited to pick up a box or two — perfect for gift-giving or adding to a Cheese Days collection.
“Stack a few small blocks of cheese inside to give as a gift, or fill one with greenery to use as a holiday décor accent,” said Hutchinson, who has created several gift-giving examples for display in the store.
The Cheese Days Store is stocked with a variety of merchandise for the upcoming 2026 festival. Shoppers will find apparel for all ages, 2026 collector buttons, pint glasses, magnets, stickers, Limburger caps, custom-crafted pottery tankards, and plush toy goats wearing hand-painted Edelweiss bells.
The Cheese Days Store will be open for holiday shopping on the following dates:
● Friday, Nov. 28: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
● Saturday, Nov. 29: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
● Friday, Dec. 5: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
● Friday, Dec. 12: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
● Friday, Dec. 19: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
If those times are inconvenient, shoppers may call the Cheese Days office at 608-325-7771 to arrange a different time. Online shopping is also available at www.cheesedays.com.
Cheese Days is part of Main Street Monroe’s Holiday Shopping promotion, with shoppers using a special card to collect stamps for every $10 or more in retail purchases. Completed cards are entered into weekly drawings and grand prize sweepstakes. Cheese Days is one of more than 50 participating downtown Monroe businesses including eateries, shops, and services.
