The Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, running since 1975, was formed by members of the Board of Trade. With the help of the Elmira Syrup Festival and the New Hamburg Quilt Auction, the new festival was formed using the best of these two festivals and implementing their local flavour. The festival was formed to promote the town of Wellesley, as well as its major businesses, A.W. Jantzi & Sons Ltd (Wellesley Brand Apple Products) and the J.M. Schneider Cheese Factory. Relying on all volunteer workers, the festival has grown to be one of Waterloo County’s most popular events.