Many people came out to the Cheesemakers Festival in Shelburne, Vt Sunday, sharing a passion for cheese.

It’s the 8th year of the festival, celebrating Vermont cheesemaking.

The dairy industry has a large role in the state’s economy, making up more than $2 billion in sales each year.

As for cheese – it adds up to about $650 million.

“First of all we have the scale and we have exceptional milk that is produced here in the state of Vermont,” Tom Bivens, Executive Director for the Vermont Cheese Council, said. “So we are really lucky to just have so many family farms that look for some way or another to keep their farms viable and cheese happened to be it.”

40 cheesemakers were there as well as venders with other products you could certainly pair with cheese, such as wine, cider and beer.