MONROE — Cheese Days has its prince and princess for 2022. Braun King and Addison Wolff, both of Monroe, were selected by a committee of judges this past Saturday.

The prince and princess were selected from a pool of 25 candidates who participated in interviews with three panels of judges on Saturday, June 11. Candidates were rated on speaking skills, personality, and appearance. Following the interviews, they had their photograph taken with Wedgie — with one regular pose and one silly or fun pose. All candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves at the awards program and each child received a gift bag for participating — which included a ticket for a free order of deep-fried cheese curds courtesy of the Monroe Optimists. All candidates are also invited to ride floats in the Children’s Parade and The Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade during the festival weekend.

Braun is the son of Stephanie and Aaron King. He will be in second grade this fall at Abraham Lincoln. Braun enjoys soccer, swimming, t-ball, baseball, hiking, and visiting the Square in downtown Monroe. Braun said his favorite cheese is Swiss, because “I’m a little bit Swiss.” Braun is looking forward to hanging out with Cheese Days mascot Wedgie, and being in the parade.

Addison is the daughter of Kirsten and Tim Wolff. She will be in fourth grade this fall at Northside. Addison enjoys swimming, gymnastics, and horseback riding. Her favorite cheese is Pepper Jack because it is spicy. Addison said her favorite part about Cheese Days is the parade, “because it brings kids happiness.”   

The Prince and Princess Contest was coordinated by Heidi Witt. Heidi’s son Gabe (2010 Cheese Days Prince) and Heidi’s mom Inge Brockman assisted the day of the contest, along with Erica Zentner and Lauren Zentner, and photos by Brenda Steurer. Judges were Diane Phillips, Karen Mau Boll, Sherry Anderegg, Kay Argue, 2018 Prince Tyse Hoesly, and 2018 Princess Lauren Stelter.