LOWVILLE — The annual Cream Cheese Festival will return to historic downtown Lowville on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The free admission event — which will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — celebrates Lowville being home to the nation’s largest cream cheese plant, Kraft Heinz, which produces Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

Lowville native Beth Hall, co-host of 7News This Morning on WWNY-TV-7 and FOX 28, will again serve as emcee for this year’s event, kicking off festivities from the Main Stage on North State Street.

Musical entertainment for that stage will begin at 11 a.m. Opening ceremonies at the Main Stage will officially kick things off at noon.

This year will mark the return of the traditional giant cheesecake created by Kraft Heinz. The cheesecake will be unveiled at the Lowville Fire Hall across from the Main Stage during opening ceremonies.

In addition to entertainment at the Main Stage, musical entertainment will be offered at the Veterans Stage next to American Legion Post 162 on Parkway Drive.

This year’s event will include food, entertainment, vendors, the traditional recipe contest, and the Children’s Discovery Park, featuring attractions by Adventures in Climbing in Veterans Memorial Park along Parkway Drive.

Admission to the Children’s Discovery Park, at a cost of $5 per child, gives children and an accompanying adult access to attractions all day and choice of popcorn, cotton candy or snow cone for the child.

Recipe contest details

One of the most popular events at the festival is its annual recipe contest. Those wishing to participate may pick up six free packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 14-15, at the Lowville Kraft Heinz facility, 7388 Utica Blvd. Those picking up cream cheese from the Kraft Heinz facility must furnish a copy of their recipe upon pick-up.

Entries will be judged based on presentation, creativity and taste. Points in the judging are weighted – the most points are awarded for the taste component, the next highest points are awarded in creativity, and the fewest points are awarded for presentation.

Entries must be delivered to the recipe contest booth located inside the Lowville Fire Hall between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday. Parking is available in the Lowville Free Library lot during drop-off hours, with access to the fire hall available via the rear entry doorway.

Displays are limited to a 2 ft. by 2 ft. area on the table and only the registration number should be visible on an entry. Electrical outlets will be available. In addition, all entries must be prepared with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and any recipe submitted becomes the property of Kraft Heinz.

Entries must be picked up by 2 p.m. the day of the contest. Kraft Heinz is not responsible for any dish not picked up that day. This year’s contest will have both dessert and non-dessert categories with cash prizes awarded.

Those wishing to register for the recipe contest must send an email in advance to creamcheesefestival@gmail.com or call 315-748-6361.

Parking will be available for the festival at Tops Plaza and the Lewis County Fairgrounds with free shuttle service through support from Birnie Bus and Lewis County Public Transportation. Donations will be accepted. For more information about the festival, visit www.creamcheesefestival.com or contact committee chairman Jeremiah S. Papineau via email at creamcheesefestival@gmail.com or call 315-748-6361 and leave a message.