Say cheese, sold out Jungle Jim’s Cheese Festival a hit

People in Butler County and beyond flocked to the opening day of the fourth annual Jungle Jim s Cheese Festival, as attendance at the event held at the Oscar Event Center was a sellout.

People in Butler County and beyond flocked to the opening day of the fourth annual Jungle Jim s Cheese Festival, as attendance at the event held at the Oscar Event Center was a sellout.

People in Butler County and beyond flocked to the opening day of the fourth annual Jungle Jim’s Cheese Festival. Attendance at the event held at the Oscar Event Center was a sellout.

With more than 400 cheeses available to sample from all over the world, and the Mac ‘N Cheese Alley, with recipes and samples of that classic American dish from Montgomery Inn, Troy’s Cafe, Flipside and Parker’s Blue Ash Tavern, the event was sold out well in advance.

Jared Bowers, social media and content coordinator, said the two-day event was the biggest ever in its fourth year.

“We sold out more than a week prior to the event,” Bowers said. “We sold 3,600 tickets and when I left today, shortly after 2 p.m., there were more than 1,000 people still there and it ends at 5 p.m.”

Sarah Kaufmann, Guinness World Record-recognized cheese carver, made an appearance at the festival, creating works from blocks of cheese. She will be back for a Sunday appearance as well.

VIP ticket holders were able to get in an hour earlier to visit the bars for unlimited beer and wine. Bowers is hoping for an even bigger crowd next year.

“The first day was very well-attended and this is a popular event that can grow larger next year,” Bowers said.

Katie Burns of Jungle Jim’s, said the sellout crowd although expected, was a welcomed sight.

“People really didn’t seem to mind waiting in line and it was packed today,” Burns said.

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