The infamous term “Cheesehead,” and the Gouda-shaped hat that has accompanied the people who represent it, was first conceived as a derogatory nickname for the people of Wisconsin, a state well known for its dairy production. Now, the Packer Cheesehead is a symbol known around the country. If you’re wearing one, you’re most definitely loyal to the Green and Gold.
There are a few stories regarding the Cheesehead’s origin. For example, a 2009 episode of Toyota’s “Great Moments in Tailgating History” series shows a man in a Green Bay Packers jersey arguing with a woman in Minnesota Vikings colors during a tailgating session outside of a football stadium. At the climax of the argument, the woman lifts a giant Gouda, and slams it on the man’s head. His surprise renders him unable to remove the cheese; thus, according to this episode, the Cheesehead hat was born.
Today, the hat is a mainstay at any Wisconsin sporting event. Though it is most frequently associated with Green Bay Packers fans, the Cheesehead hat’s actual foundation lies with the Milwaukee Brewers. During a game against the Chicago White Sox, White Sox fans referred to the Wisconsinites as Cheeseheads. Needless to say, the people of the Dairy State embraced the Flatlanders’ term with open arms.
At a 1987 Brewers game, a fan named Ralph Bruno first donned the cheese-shaped hat, one which he made from foam. Bruno’s creation would serve as the prototype for what is today an American sports phenomenon. With help from then Brewers center fielder Rick Manning, the popularity of the Cheeseheads and their hats grew until Foamation, inc., a Wisconsin based organization, began marketing and selling the foam hats.
Foamation’s cheeseheads are offered in a variety of durometers and densities, the most common being a polyurethane material; and, Foamation also offers several other cheesy adornments to its customers. To elaborate, one can buy cheese hats of any kind, like cheese cowboy hats, construction hats, and even cheese fezzes. It doesn’t stop there, though. Foamation’s spectrum of cheese accessories seems to know no bounds. One can buy cheese keychains, ties, hood ornaments, coasters and cups, and even cheese frisbees!
The Packer cheesehead hats and accessories are reasonably priced, too. They tend to run in the ballpark of $20, size depending; that’s right, there are sizes to accommodate any cheese lover. The more frugal cheese enthusiast can catch a $5-$10 break by shopping eBay right here on PackFanatics.com.
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