Vicki Janisch Makes a Third Appearance at This Year's Cheesefest

For Vicki Janisch, Cheesefest is becoming one of her favorite yearly traditions.  2026 marks year three of the creative carver’s return to the event, where she meticulously sculpts a block of 40 lb Cheddar donated by Shullsburg Creamery into a work of art.  We reached out to Vicki to learn more about this year’s carving.

1. What inspired this year's design?

This year's design was all about celebrating Shullsburg's history and heritage -  Knowing the community's deep roots in mining, along with its incredible cheesemaking history, I thought, why not bring the two together? And that's how the "Bovine Miner" came to life.

A cow sporting a miner's helmet just seemed like the perfect way to pay tribute to both industries. It was a fun way to combine a little Wisconsin dairy pride with a nod to the hardworking people who helped build this community.

2. What was this year's total carving time?

I carved for about 5-6 hours during the festival. One thing I wanted to do this year was to push myself on how much detail I could get into my carving within the timeframe.

3. Did you employ any new tools or techniques this year?

I'm always learning and experimenting with different ways to bring these sculptures to life. Each block of cheese is a little different, and part of the fun is figuring out how to make the details work as the design takes shape. I enlisted my trusted cheese wire cutters this year to help square up the block of Cheddar and help block out the piece.

4. How was the weather?

The weather was truly grate (spelling intended!)  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall day. The crisp, cool temperatures were perfect for carving cheese, and the sun was shining! It was one of those picture-perfect Wisconsin fall days that made being outside that much more enjoyable.

5. How were the crowds overall?

I thought the crowd was amazing. One of my favorite parts of live cheese carving is getting to visit with people throughout the day. I had the chance to chat with everyone from Shullsburg locals to a couple vacationing from Lake Geneva and even visitors all the way from California! It's always fun to hear what brings people to the area and share a little Wisconsin cheese pride along the way. You just never know who you'll meet over a 40-pound block of Cheddar.

6. What were some of the reactions from visitors?

The reactions are always one of the best parts! People are fascinated by the fact that you can turn a 40-pound block of Cheddar into a piece of artwork. There's usually a combination of "Is that really cheese?" and "How in the world do you do that?"

And of course, once people realized the cow was also a miner, it made for some fun conversations about Shullsburg's history.

7. Did this year's cow get a name?

The "Bovine Miner!" I thought that was a pretty fitting title for a dairy-loving cow representing a community with such strong mining roots. A little history, a little humor and a whole lot of Wisconsin cheese!

8. Did the carving go to the cheese store for display?

Yes! The Bovine Miner made its way to its final destination at the Shullsburg Creamery Cheese Store! I love that the finished carving gets to stick around a little longer for people to enjoy, especially those who didn't get a chance to see it come to life during Cheesefest.

9. Any memorable or unique moments?

For me, the most memorable part is continuing to build a connection with the Shullsburg community. This was my third year carving at the festival, and every year I walk away having learned something new about the area and its history.

As a farmer's daughter and someone who has spent much of my career celebrating Wisconsin agriculture and cheese, I love opportunities like this where food, agriculture and community all come together.

Plus, there is something pretty entertaining about spending the day turning a giant block of Cheddar into a piece of art. That's not exactly something everyone gets to put on their résumé!