Tillamook celebrating 116 years with ‘boatload’ of cheese giveaway

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Local award-winning cheese maker Tillamook County Creamery is giving dairy fans a chance to win a literal boatload (almost 2,000 pounds) of cheese.

This contest is in honor of their 116th birthday – as well as National Cheddar Day – which took place Feb. 13.

The boatload amount is significant to the creamery, as it was the farmers’ 1855 maiden voyage aboard the Morning Star which brought the first taste of Tillamook dairy to the growing Port of Portland.

After several small creameries started a co-op in the area, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) officially launched in 1909.

“For over a century, our farmer-owned co-operative has shared the same determination that inspired those aboard the historic Morning Star. Since the ship’s maiden voyage, we’ve continued to deliver an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients you can taste,” said Kate Boltin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at TCCA. “Generations of dairy fans have fueled our passion for delivering premium cheddar, and that’s why we are going overboard this year by gifting a literal boatload of cheese.”

This past year, Tillamook also took home three prizes at the “World Cheese Awards” in Portugal, including their Maker’s Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar, which was deemed “Best Cheddar in the World.”

Fans looking to win the boatload can enter the contest now through Thursday, Feb. 20.

Tillamook is also giving the first 15,000 people who enter a free cheese coupon worth up to $6.