MADISON, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS)- Cheesemakers from 26 countries and 36 states are descending on Madison this week for the World Championship Cheese Contest. The competition judges more than 3,667 cheese entries to determine the best cheese in each category as well as an overall cheese champion.

The event is open to the public at Monona Terrace in Madison where people can watch the judging take place and even sample different cheeses for free. Cheesemakers like Bruce Workman from Edelweiss Creamery in Monticello say it is a unique opportunity. Edelweiss entered 17 different cheeses into the competition this year. While Workman says they give it their all, it is hard to know what the outcome will be.

 “It is a subjective contest, you want to place your best cheese in and do what you can do but if you win its great, if you lost it is humbling but there is always another year.” Says Workman

The cheese Grand Champion will be named Thursday night at 8pm. Tickets for the ceremony are sold out, however you can watch the announcement live on the World Cheese Championship website.