MONROE — Cool, moist weather didn’t dampen the spirits of this past weekend’s semi-annual Green County Cheese Days festival, held September 18-20 throughout the county but especially in downtown Monroe.

While the threat of storms and rain turned many visitors away, thousands still made the pilgrimage to feast on a variety of cheeses, meats and sweet treats, indulge in libations made from barley and hops or sipped on other hearty spirits.

Musical talents included artists from Canada and Switzerland, plus regional favorites. Guests danced the polka in front of the Historic Green County Courthouse and braved early afternoon misty weather to watch two parades — the Children’s Parade on Friday night, which led into the opening ceremonies, and Sunday’s Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade.

The event brought in thousands of dollars (or more) to many area businesses, the tally of which hasn’t yet been calculated.

The next Green County Cheese Days is scheduled for September 15-17, 2028.