Minnesota Festival Memories: Pine Island Cheese Festival

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Some call it summer, some call it festival season.

It seems every weekend there are great community events across the state of Minnesota.

And we want to celebrate those events by sharing your memories.

This week we head to Pine Island to show case the annual Cheese Festival!

Families have been celebrating the rich history of cheese plants in this part of the state since 1936, only taking a break during World War II.

There's tons to do at this festival. Events include a parade, a 5k, fireworks and, of course, lots of cheese.

We're sharing your memories from years past.

Laura Kennedy sent WCCO these pictures of her kids on the Ferris wheel, and a selfie of herself getting in on the fun!

Jaxon and Jayna love to get their height checked every year and will this year again. Their mom, Sara Hartzell, writes "Cant' wait to see how much she grows."

The Berg family loves to watch the parade every year.

Family member Janet Hanke said the Bergs have been watching the Grand Parade from this spot for more than 50 years, when their great-great grandmother owned the house.

Laura Toombs sent in a picture of her son Lincoln at his first Cheese Fest parade, respectfully standing for the firefighters, officers and military personal

And we told you cheese fest has been going on for decades.

Jennifer Robertson Lee sent WCCO this picture of her at Cheese Fest in 1977.

So if you're in the area this weekend the Pine Island Cheese Festival takes place Friday through Sunday with events planned every day.

For a full list of events, visit the Pine Island Cheese Festival online.