Saturday, February 14, 2009

Fifth Annual Oregon Cheese Festival Dishes up Delicious Events


Oregon-inspired culinary events will kick off this year's Oregon Cheese Festival in Central Point, Oregon.

To commence the festival, a sumptuous meal introducing guests to participating artisans will be held at the historic U.S. Hotel Ballroom at the Jacksonville Inn in Jacksonville Friday night, March 13th from 6:15 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Tickets are $70 per person, and are available by calling 866 -396-4704. The dinner will benefit the Oregon Cheese Guild.

Each course of the dinner will spotlight a cheese made by one of the festival's artisans paired with a local wine. Throughout the meal, celebrated cheese columnist and author Janet Fletcher will act as emcee and join the winemakers and cheesemakers in discussing the showcase dishes.

On Saturday March 14th, thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to sample cow, sheep and goat cheese from Oregon and northern California creameries.

"The farmer's market format will present an interactive experience between artisans and visitors, giving everyone an opportunity to talk about the product, the process and learn each individual cheesemaker's story," says David Gremmels, owner with Cary Bryant of Rogue Creamery. "It's a way to truly be connected with the source of the cheese being presented."

Samples and sales will be offered at each booth. Festival music will be provided by Michelle Scheffler and Bruno Grassi, and children are invited to participate in the event's annual coloring contest, sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Oregon.

The Oregon Cheese Festival will be open to the public Saturday, March 14th from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rogue Creamery, 311 North Front St, Central Point, OR.

A $5 entry fee includes tastings and demonstrations. A $5 wine tasting fee includes a commemorative wine glass etched with the Oregon Cheese Guild logo. For more information contact Rogue Creamery at 866-396-4704 or www.roguecreamery.com.

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