The Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), formed as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier makers of cheese. TCCA is inviting every Tillamook Cheese fan to join in celebration of its 100th anniversary. There will be free celebratory events in Portland on July 31 and at the Tillamook Cheese Factory on Aug. 1, in Tillamook, Oregon.

“We at TCCA have a great deal of pride in our history as a farmer-owned co-operative and in continuing to deliver quality dairy products to our customers,” said Harold Strunk, president and CEO of TCCA. “We are proud to celebrate our 100-year old traditions and are excited to share our anniversary products and events with our consumers.”

On July 31, join Tillamook Cheese in Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a full day of 100th anniversary fun.

Several free events are scheduled to celebrate Tillamook Cheese’s 100th anniversary at Pioneer Courthouse Square, including:

• “Cones for Coins” – Enjoy a variety of Tillamook ice cream, including Tillamook’s 100th anniversary ice cream, Sweet Centennial, in exchange for your coins, and proceeds will benefit the local Portland Union Gospel Mission.
• Meet the Tillamook Cheesemakers – Master cheesemaker Dale Baumgartner, as well as other Tillamook cheesemakers, will be on hand to talk about their quality products while providing a taste of their anniversary Three-Year Aged Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar.
• Meet Tillie the Cow and Loafy – bring your camera and have your picture taken with the Tillamook Cheese mascots, Tillie the Cow and Loafy the Baby Loaf.
• Enjoy Centennial Grilled Cheese sandwich bites – Tilllamook Cheese will provide Centennial Grilled Cheese sandwich bites to all guests for lunch.
• Sample great tasting Tillamook cheese – a variety of cheeses, including Tillamook cheese curds, will be available for free sampling at the event. The cheese curds are a rare treat that is usually only available at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
• Wine/beer and cheese pairings – learn how to pair your favorite Tillamook cheese with your favorite beer and/or wine.
• Color, get your face painted, play games and win prizes in the kids’ activity area.
• Purchase your copy of the Tillamook Cheese Cookbook and get it autographed – each book is available for only $20.00 (cash only).
• Tillamook Fan Club sign up/check-in – sign up to become an official Tillamook Fan Club member and be in the know about all Tillamook-sponsored events, recipes, the featured “Fan of the Month” and “Tillamook Personality Profiles,” as well as receive the monthly E-newsletter and special VIP offers. Current Fan Club members will have access to a VIP Fan Club Members Only area at the anniversary event.

If you miss the 100th anniversary event in Portland, be sure to check out the centennial celebration at the Tillamook Cheese Factory on August 1 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Tillamook.

A variety of free events are scheduled to celebrate Tillamook Cheese’s 100th anniversary at the the hometown celebration, including:

• Sample limited edition 100th anniversary products – try a variety of Tillamook cheese, including the 3-year aged anniversary cheddar, Sweet Centennial ice cream and 100th anniversary fudge.
• Have fun in the kids activity area – bring the family for a visit at the petting zoo, learn how a dairy cow gets milked, get your face painted and play games for the chance to win prizes.
• Meet the Tillamook Cheesemakers – Master cheesemaker Dale Baumgartner, as well as other Tillamook cheesemakers, will be on hand to talk about their quality products while providing a taste of their anniversary Three-Year Aged Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar.
• Sample a variety of Pacific Northwest gourmet foods, including meats, jams, mustards and much more.
• Watch cooking demonstrations with Tillamook cheese conducted by professional chef Gary Puetz, the Seafood Steward.
• Meet Tillie the Cow and Loafy – bring your camera and have your picture taken with the Tillamook Cheese mascots, Tillie the Cow and Loafy the Baby Loaf.
• Listen and move to live music – enjoy beats throughout the day from Kathryn Claire – Kinderqueen, Rhythm Culture and The Oyster Shooters.
• Indulge in wine and beer tasting, paired with a variety of Tillamook cheeses.

The July 31 centennial celebration is scheduled to take place at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 715 SW Morrison St., Portland, Oregon, 97204. The August 1st centennial celebration is scheduled to take place at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, 4185 Hwy 101 North, Tillamook, OR 97411.

Additional information about TCCA's 100th anniversary events is available at www.TillamookFanClub.com. You can also follow Tillamook Cheese on Twitter and Facebook.