Say Cheese! One of Minnesota's Oldest Festivals Returns
His festival has been around since 1936. It was originally created to help dairy farmers increase their business. According to the festival's website, many dairy farmers from Europe settled in the area, making it a prime spot for cheese production. Business declined in the 1930s, so the first Cheese Festival was organized to boost sales. The inaugural event took place on September 29-30, 1936.
Source: krforadio.com