Friday, May 8th marked the 2nd anniversary of the opening of Bandon’s Face Rock Creamery. People still remember feeling excited and optimistic for the town and, in particular, for cheese, when plans for the creamery in the old cheese factory’s location were announced. It was, for some, a renewal of an old important part of Bandon that seemed like it might have died forever. To celebrate this important and momentous occasion, Face Rock Creamery threw itself a birthday party Mother’s Day weekend.
The anniversary party was in full swing on Saturday even before its projected start time of noon on Friday. Folks of all ages lined up as soon as they caught the first whiff of a hot grill, eager to purchase a burger or hot dog and a microbrew from Arch Rock (Gold Beach), Hop Valley (Eugene), or 7 Devils (Coos Bay) microbrew or a soda. After they had their goodies, some headed to the covered eating area outside while others made their way inside to escape the slightly cool temperature and breezes.
Inside, party goers were treated to wine tasting from local wineries, including Bandon’s own Sea Mist cranberry wines, as well as samples of Face Rock’s selection of cheeses and curds. For the first time, the creamery had available a special extra aged cheddar cheese which has been aged for 2 years…meaning they started this particular variety when they first opened! It is well worth the time we had to wait, believe me.
One of the most popular spots for visitors to hit was, of course, the Umpqua ice cream counter. Children (and adults!) with very generous “child sized” ice cream cones bigger than their heads wandered about in a blissful ice cream stupor, and many made their way upstairs to enjoy an elevated perspective of the creamery and a view of the Coquille River from the eating area.
No party would be complete without music, and this one was no exception. The music got started later in the afternoon, and celebrators mingled and moved to the tunes.
There are no two ways about it; Face Rock throws a great birthday party, and as with any birthday party, it’s clear that the honoree is well-loved when hundreds of people attend. Bandon residents and visitors are very fond of their Face Rock cheese and always will be!
I can’t wait for next year!
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