ELLSWORTH – To say Cheese Curd Festival takes a village is an understatement.

Cheese Curd Festival, held the last weekend in June, wouldn’t be possible without the many volunteers who make it work, from the UW-River Falls Falcon Football team who helps with set up and clean up to the local sports boosters’ organizations who serve customers and more.

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce gives $15 for each hour worked toward the organization of the worker’s choosing. This year, they were able to give $16,920 to 22 area nonprofits and civic groups, including Bethel Covenant Church, Ellsworth BSA Troop 9138, EHS Baseball Boosters, EHS Basketball Boosters, EHS Dance Team, EHS Football, EHS Softball Boosters, EHS Volleyball Boosters, Ellsworth Area Ambulance Service, Ellsworth Community School District Foundation, Ellsworth E3 CDC, Ellsworth FFA Alumni, Ellsworth Lion’s Club, Hancock Lodge #229 F. & A.M., English Lutheran Church, Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library Inc., Our Savior’s Lutheran, Hunger Prevention Council – Pierce County Food Pantry, St. Francis Parish & School, St. Paul’s UCC, United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys and UWRF Football.

The total payouts to date are more than $150,000 since the volunteer program began. In addition to the $15 per hour each volunteer earned for their non-profit, a bonus was paid out to each due to the festival having another great year.

According the chamber’s Executive Director Kim Beebe, the festival drew 25,00 to 30,000 visitors to Ellsworth, creating a $2.55 million impact for area businesses.

“Every dollar that goes back to you, you turn into big things,” Beebe said. “One of the goals of the Cheese Curd Festival has been to bring back a part of our town that was once so vibrant years ago. We love seeing neighbors helping neighbors and nonprofits working together.”

WESTconsin Credit Union’s VolunTeam also won an $500 to the nonprofit of their choice.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery also announced at the luncheon that Ellsworth cheese curds will be served at this year’s Minnesota State Fair Aug. 27-Sept. 7 on Underwood Street near the Food Building. They are looking for workers.