MONROE — Main Street Monroe, Inc., celebrating its 20th year as an organization, is excited to end the year with what has quickly become a signature event for Monroe and the surrounding areas. The New Year’s Eve Cheese Drop, which was planned last minute in 2023 and on a limited budget has attracted thousands of people in each of the last two years. The idea behind the event has been to host a festive community gathering that celebrates Monroe’s rich cheesemaking heritage while not taking it too seriously and being approachable.

The family-friendly event will take place on December 31 with activities starting at 3 p.m. A beer garden will also open at that time. 

The cheese dropping, which will happen at 5 p.m. central marks midnight in Switzerland which is a true Green County style twist on New Year’s Eve.

“The event is a super fun and really unique Monroe way to bring our community together,” said Jordan Nordby, Executive Director, Main Street Monroe, Inc. “It celebrates who we are, supports the downtown, and, we hope, will continue to create lasting memories for everyone attending.” 

Nordby also notes that people each of the last two years have complimented the event for being an unexpected reason to run into your neighbors. 

“It’s really a social event. And it’s coming off Christmas which can feel so regimented and chaotic. With this, you can call it a night immediately after the drop or go out to dinner and then call it or keep going, like to the event at Monroe Arts Center. It works no matter what your age is or group,” Nordby said.

The event is sponsored by Cactus Co Booze N Bites and Bartel’s & Co Tap. A hospitality tent, which will host cheese samples, facepainting by Monroe Junior Optimists, and root beer, is made possible by Kirt and JoAnne Leuenberger.

Additional support from Chalet Cheese, GFWC Monroe Woman’s Club, Family Chiropractic Clinic of Monroe, Dr. Tom & Melissa Thompson, Kundert Auto, Minhas Brewery, Alp & Dell Cheese Store, Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern, Colony Brands, Klondike Cheese, Maple Leaf Cheese, Maple Leaf Cheese Store, Northside Fried Cheese, and Zimmerman Cheese.

Attendees can also expect to find mascots, including Wedgie, photo ops like a Brown Swiss Cow from Wegmueller Farms, fire pits, hot chocolate from Sunrise Donut Café, and businesses participating. Spilled Grapes Wine Bar will be hosting Cheese Trivia led by Monroe’s Mayor, Donna Douglas. The Garden Deli will be open until 6 p.m. and Beyond Crafty, a new business serving food and drinks, including dirty sodas, will be open until 9 p.m. 

In partnership with Kiwanis of Monroe, Monroe Arts Center (MAC) looks forward to offering this Free Family and Kids event on Dec. 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Children and families can come and make a noise maker in MAC’s Start Center and listen to a New Year’s Eve story before going down to the Monroe Square for the annual Cheese Drop. 

In keeping with the family friendly vibe of the event, the Monroe Public Library has a Cheese Drop Mask Craft now until 8 p.m. on December 30. The animal masks are meant to be worn at the Cheese Drop and can be made at the library or taken to be made at home. It is free. 

Also occurring that night is Monroe Arts Center’s New Year’s Eve Gala, which will start at 8 p.m., and feature live music, cash bar, dancing, specialty foods and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider to toast in 2026.

Anyone wanting complete details on the New Year’s Eve festivities planned in downtown Monroe or those interested in participating or volunteering should contact Main Street Monroe at monroemainstreet@tds.net or 608-328-4023.