After last year’s cancellation, planning for the 44th Watonga Cheese Festival has officially begun.
Discussions about specific areas of the festival, theme ideas, and new and recurring entertainment were all discussed in a meeting last week; however, Watonga Chamber of Commerce Director Dayla Luetkemeyer said it’s too early to name specifics.
Past events included a petting zoo, pony ride, zip line, and various inflatables.
“We do plan on trying to get all of that back again because it went over really well,” Luetkemeyer said.
With vaccination efforts continuing across the state, Luetkemeyer says it allows organizers to continue planning with the hope that COVID-19 will not be a major factor when the festival begins.
“I feel like the vaccine will be more available and more people will have had it. Especially those more prone to having the worst symptoms of it,” Luetkemeyer said.
In the face of last year’s cancellation, Luetkemeyer says they want to stay optimistic.
“I'm hoping that in 2021 since it’s outdoors and there's more known about the virus period. I feel like it will be safer this year,” Luetkemeyer said.
The Watonga Chamber of Commerce describes the Cheese Festival as a weekend “full of activities to see and do, lots of yummy food and cheeses to eat, and a great unique shopping experience!”
The event will take place on Oct. 8-9.