If you go
The Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade steps off from the Green County Fairgrounds at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and arrives downtown at about 12:45 p.m. The parade will promote dairy, the cheese industry and the 100-year anniversary of Cheese Days. This year there are 14 divisions and 14 high school bands. More than 150 units will be present during the two-hour, two-mile parade route. More information is available on www.cheesedays.com.
By Emily Massingill
For the Times
MONROE - The details seem endless. But as parade time nears, the banner carriers are set, flower sprays are ordered for the convertibles, the pooper scoopers have their overalls and the announcers are armed with local facts. These are just a few of the hundreds of details that have to be worked out before the sidewalks along the parade route in Monroe are jammed with people who cheer and applaud to mark the final day of the Cheese Days celebration.
There are several people behind the blow-out event, but two in particular for the past seven events have been chairing the Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade. At this year's end, Gloria and Pat Krutza will hand over their parade binder, also known as their Bible, to Cathy Wald, who has volunteered to take over the huge Cheese Days task of chairing the parade.
Getting into it
Gloria said she wanted to take over the planning of the Cheese Days parade back in 2000 simply because she loves parades.
"I am a parade-lover. I always have been," Gloria said, noting that she has fond memories of marching with her own high school band. "I'm a sucker for parades."
Pat and Gloria aren't originally from Monroe, but they've called the small town home since 1972 when Pat, originally from Amherst, landed a job where he is still employed at Badgerland Financial. Gloria, originally from Boscobel, also came and stayed for a job, and retired in 2008 after teaching in Blanchardville as a Pecatonica Elementary teacher. They raised their two children, Kari and Matt, here.
They took over the parade planning from Jean and Bill Ruda and Ed and Mandy Pas; the Krutzas have been given information and even assistance from them since.
Gloria admits she was the one who showed interest in taking on the parade, and Pat came along as more of a helper. But the giant task made real work for the couple that teams up to make the huge event come together flawlessly.
Gloria and Pat have fallen into their duties, and Gloria's main task is the entire parade lineup. She admits it consumes her entire summer and feels a little like a job, although she enjoys it greatly.
"I love talking to all of the wonderful people who want to be in the parade," Gloria said. "They're so willing to help."
She said they have quite a few friends who help them out as well.
Pat's task isn't small either. He's in charge of all that happens at the Green County Fairgrounds, their hub on parade day. He brings in a float-builder from La Crosse on Thursday to design and decorate floats after a list is mailed to him about what is needed.
Applications go out in May through the Cheese Days office to all past participants and the entry deadline is June 30, an intense time.
Gloria spends July and August on the phone with people - making sure the feel of the parade and parade details are just right. Simple things like containers people use to hand things out, the float themes following along with Cheese Days topics and ideas, and everyone following rules and guidelines are just a few of the details that need her attention.
The morning of the parade is what Gloria calls "organized chaos" at the fairgrounds. Where that chaos turns organized and things merge is where you'll find Gloria. She sees everything go out and is makes sure all is going well.
"There's nothing like seeing that all come together," she said. Although there are small issues each year, there have never been any really major issues, thanks to well-versed participants.
Passing the torch
The couple knew at the last Cheese Days event that the 100-year celebration would also mark the end of their chairing the parade. Pat would've probably been OK with being done a few years ago, but Gloria said she really enjoyed the planning and all that went with it and hoped to continue it until the 100-year celebration.
The parade has been a lot of work for the couple and they're ready to spend time with family and be more available to enjoy the parade and company that comes for the weekend festivities.
But just like before she retired from teaching, Gloria said she'll love it until the day she's done.
"The parade has been a pleasure," Gloria said. She feels grateful that someone has already willingly come forward to take over the duty and feels the transition will be wonderful.
"I was so impressed with her," Gloria said of meeting Wald. "She's low-key, very organized and able to handle a lot. I think we're in good hands."
Although the couple plans to stay around to help out if needed, they have a grandson now that they're looking forward to watching the parade with. Benton, who will turn 4 in October, is a parade-lover as well. He even helped Grandma mail 194 letters to parade participants the day after Labor Day.
Gloria feels a connection to Cheese Days and the parade but has an extra sense of pride when others are so appreciative of what she does. As she called up Pete, the stilt-walker to be sure he was coming this year, he told her that the Cheese Days parade was his favorite. She thought that meant a lot coming from someone who goes to so many parades.
"It was the ultimate compliment," Gloria said. "The people that come here are the most amazing people.
"It truly is a beautiful event. It's a great thing to be a part of."
For the Times
MONROE - The details seem endless. But as parade time nears, the banner carriers are set, flower sprays are ordered for the convertibles, the pooper scoopers have their overalls and the announcers are armed with local facts. These are just a few of the hundreds of details that have to be worked out before the sidewalks along the parade route in Monroe are jammed with people who cheer and applaud to mark the final day of the Cheese Days celebration.
There are several people behind the blow-out event, but two in particular for the past seven events have been chairing the Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade. At this year's end, Gloria and Pat Krutza will hand over their parade binder, also known as their Bible, to Cathy Wald, who has volunteered to take over the huge Cheese Days task of chairing the parade.
Getting into it
Gloria said she wanted to take over the planning of the Cheese Days parade back in 2000 simply because she loves parades.
"I am a parade-lover. I always have been," Gloria said, noting that she has fond memories of marching with her own high school band. "I'm a sucker for parades."
Pat and Gloria aren't originally from Monroe, but they've called the small town home since 1972 when Pat, originally from Amherst, landed a job where he is still employed at Badgerland Financial. Gloria, originally from Boscobel, also came and stayed for a job, and retired in 2008 after teaching in Blanchardville as a Pecatonica Elementary teacher. They raised their two children, Kari and Matt, here.
They took over the parade planning from Jean and Bill Ruda and Ed and Mandy Pas; the Krutzas have been given information and even assistance from them since.
Gloria admits she was the one who showed interest in taking on the parade, and Pat came along as more of a helper. But the giant task made real work for the couple that teams up to make the huge event come together flawlessly.
Gloria and Pat have fallen into their duties, and Gloria's main task is the entire parade lineup. She admits it consumes her entire summer and feels a little like a job, although she enjoys it greatly.
"I love talking to all of the wonderful people who want to be in the parade," Gloria said. "They're so willing to help."
She said they have quite a few friends who help them out as well.
Pat's task isn't small either. He's in charge of all that happens at the Green County Fairgrounds, their hub on parade day. He brings in a float-builder from La Crosse on Thursday to design and decorate floats after a list is mailed to him about what is needed.
Applications go out in May through the Cheese Days office to all past participants and the entry deadline is June 30, an intense time.
Gloria spends July and August on the phone with people - making sure the feel of the parade and parade details are just right. Simple things like containers people use to hand things out, the float themes following along with Cheese Days topics and ideas, and everyone following rules and guidelines are just a few of the details that need her attention.
The morning of the parade is what Gloria calls "organized chaos" at the fairgrounds. Where that chaos turns organized and things merge is where you'll find Gloria. She sees everything go out and is makes sure all is going well.
"There's nothing like seeing that all come together," she said. Although there are small issues each year, there have never been any really major issues, thanks to well-versed participants.
Passing the torch
The couple knew at the last Cheese Days event that the 100-year celebration would also mark the end of their chairing the parade. Pat would've probably been OK with being done a few years ago, but Gloria said she really enjoyed the planning and all that went with it and hoped to continue it until the 100-year celebration.
The parade has been a lot of work for the couple and they're ready to spend time with family and be more available to enjoy the parade and company that comes for the weekend festivities.
But just like before she retired from teaching, Gloria said she'll love it until the day she's done.
"The parade has been a pleasure," Gloria said. She feels grateful that someone has already willingly come forward to take over the duty and feels the transition will be wonderful.
"I was so impressed with her," Gloria said of meeting Wald. "She's low-key, very organized and able to handle a lot. I think we're in good hands."
Although the couple plans to stay around to help out if needed, they have a grandson now that they're looking forward to watching the parade with. Benton, who will turn 4 in October, is a parade-lover as well. He even helped Grandma mail 194 letters to parade participants the day after Labor Day.
Gloria feels a connection to Cheese Days and the parade but has an extra sense of pride when others are so appreciative of what she does. As she called up Pete, the stilt-walker to be sure he was coming this year, he told her that the Cheese Days parade was his favorite. She thought that meant a lot coming from someone who goes to so many parades.
"It was the ultimate compliment," Gloria said. "The people that come here are the most amazing people.
"It truly is a beautiful event. It's a great thing to be a part of."