Wis. lawmakers honor man behind cheesehead hat

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin lawmakers have honored the man who used cheese to create one of the state's most beloved cultural symbols.

The state Senate voted unanimously Wednesday on a joint resolution to honor entrepreneur Ralph Bruno and his hat-making employees at Foamation Inc. in St. Francis.

Bruno created the famous cheesehead hat in 1987 using stuffing from his couch. The hat has become a popular state symbol, frequently worn by fans at Packers games and other sporting events.

The resolution also cleared in the Assembly Tuesday after some lawmakers donned the bright yellow foam cheesehead hats in Bruno's honor.

Cheesehead hats are sold today in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries.