Tucked away in scenic Southwestern Wisconsin, Dodgeville is a great vacation destination for anyone looking for fun activities, friendly faces and outdoor recreation. Dodgeville has origins that date back to the late 1820’s when General Henry Dodge first came to the area to mine lead. In 1836, Dodge was so successful and highly thought of in the mining community that he became the first Governor of the State of Wisconsin. The mines remained the primary source of revenue for the local economy through the 19th century. Not only were the mines a source of income, but they also lead to the growth of Dodgeville as a community. This growing city challenged neighboring community, Mineral Point, for the county seat of Iowa County in the mid-1800’s and they won. The historic courthouse was built in 1875 and still stands as the state's very first such establishment. The transition between the 19th and 20th century saw the city shift its focus away from mining into agriculture and business.
Modern day Dodgeville is a beautiful and tight knit community of roughly 4,700 residents. The city features a large collection of architecture from the late 1800’s that is preserved and a prefect of the era’s Greek Revival. In fact back in 1995, the downtown area was named and protected as a National Historic District due to the unique preserved buildings. Aside from the living history, Dodgeville has plenty of things to do to fill up your next Wisconsin Adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring, hiking and biking through the great local and state parks. Stop by one of the historic locations that gives you an up close look at mining back in the 1800’s. When you're ready for a meal, Dodgeville has a collection of restaurants and bars offering the food that you're looking for. One of the top things to do in the community is to participate in one of the enjoyable local events, like the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship.
The Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship is a one-of-a-kind event that is held in Dodgeville each April. Only entering its fifth year of existence, the event has quickly established itself as one of the top local community gatherings and it has been growing in size since its inception. This family friendly celebration of the dairy and cheese industry offers a wide selection of contestants preparing grilled cheese creations judged in two contests: professional and amateur. Live music will be performed during the event and your kids will love all the activities and games just for them. Come experience beautiful and friendly Dodgeville and stay for an event you won't forget at the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship. We got the chance to interview Lynn Price, Executive Director of the Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce, to talk about this unique event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
LP: This is the 5th year of the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship. Each year the attendance increases by 500-700 people and we anticipate over 4,000 people attending the event this year. Demographically we see people of all ages and backgrounds, from families and groups of friends to couples and singles. To find current updates for the event, check out our Facebook page.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
LP: We are celebrating the dairy and cheese industry of Wisconsin via a competition focusing on the comfort-food draw of grilled cheese, something most people in Wisconsin ate as a kid and still love as adults. Plus, you won't find too many other gatherings that are specifically focused on grilled cheese creations like we are.
RAL: Take me through what attendees can expect during a typical day at the event.
LP: Attending the event is free. We present an amateur competition and a professional competition, both of which are judged by “celebrity” guest judges. This year we are welcoming Senator Howard Marklein as a judge. There is an exhibit area filled with free sample cheeses and plenty of cheese based products to purchase. We will also have a variety of professional Wisconsin food trucks available to the general public, selling food throughout the event.
Point Five Band will be playing great live music throughout the day, adding an extra layer of fun and entertainment to the event. Potosi Beer and Spurgeon Vineyards beverages are available for adults, along with soda/milk/water for participants of all ages.
We will have a fun photo opportunity for kids. We’ve also expanded the craft center for the kids this year with new items. If the weather cooperates, the outdoor playground is close by and filled with plenty of great equipment for kids to use.
New to the event this year from 6pm to 7pm on Friday, April 22nd, the Culinary Arts Instructors from SWTC will be at the Pavilion to host a Grilled Cheese School. For $25 you can learn how to make a terrific classic grilled cheese with tips and tricks from the experts. All food products, kitchen items, and a beverage are provided. Plus, attendees receive a FREE Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship logo’d apron from Lands’ End. Only 40 spaces are available for this class. Register at www.grilledcheesewisconsin.com
RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
LP: Dodgeville has chain hotels (like Super 8 and Best Western) and a locally owned hotel with themed rooms. Very affordable and popular among guests. You also have the option of a motel or camping at the Governor Dodge State Park.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
LP: For the community, this is something we really look forward to each year. We love having people come and spend the weekend experiencing all that we have to offer. You will also find plenty of things to see and do within driving distance in any direction. Visitors enjoy eating, shopping, and visiting all of the tourist attractions in our area.
More and more people are making this a weekend event. City-wide garage sales are on Saturday morning, the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship is mid-day through the afternoon, and then we have a great selection of locally owned restaurants, familiar chain restaurants, and bar/restaurants for a mouth watering evening meal.
RAL: Why should people come?
LP: One of the special things about Wisconsin is the cheese industry and everyone knows how much we love to celebrate in this great state! This is an event that appeals to young and old alike. You’ll have loads of fun tasting the variety of cheeses and learning different ways to use cheese. Plus, the thrill of the competition makes for a great weekend!
For more information about the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championships, please visit their website.