A patron checks out the cheese options at the annual celebration of cheese in Armstrong, now called The Big Cheese. (submitted photo/Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber)

By Pete McIntyre

Armstrong-Spallumcheen

Cheese lovers won’t want to miss this: The Big Cheese

Mar 21, 2023 | 11:15 AM

A popular event has a new name, and it’s sure to melt into the palates of cheese lovers.

Armstrong and Spallumcheen will host the annual celebration of cheese April 14 and 15, now known as The Big Cheese, a change from the former name Cheese…It’s A Natural.

The event got its start in 2013 to celebrate the City of Armstrong’s Centennial, with Armstrong being the namesake of the Armstrong cheese brand.

A Food and Buyer Expo, which started in 2022, will be held Friday, April 14 beginning at 4:30 p.m. This is an industry-only event that brings together local food growers, processors and buyers.

Pre-registration is necessary through the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce. The mixer is made possible through the support of BDO and is a partnership with Design Farm In, Mandi Lunan Food Business Coach and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

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Following that event on Friday, there will be two opportunities on Saturday, April 15 for cheese lovers to enjoy the taste of artisan cheese, dairy products and slow food produced in the North Okanagan Shuswap and other areas of the province thanks to support from BC Dairy.

Beginning at 9 a.m. April 15 in Hassen Arena, cheesemakers, artisan food and beverage producers will provide samples and information. Those attending will pick up an event pass which will allow one complimentary tasting from each exhibitor until 3 p.m. Products will also be available for purchase.

The daytime event is $2 per person and donations of a non-perishable item for the Feed the Valley program in support of the Armstrong Food Bank will be accepted.

During the event, Canadian Cheese Ambassador David Beaudoin will host two cheese seminars – 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. David built a successful business with a product known as Squeaky Cheese as well as leading and operating one of the oldest cheese factories in B.C. Now working as a Cheese Ambassador with the Dairy Farmers of Canada, David will educate and entertain with his great knowledge and profound passion for cheese.

Registration for the seminars is a must which can be done at the welcome table.

Cheese ambassador David Beaudoin (submitted photo)

Another popular attraction is the amateur cheese ball and grilled cheese competitions. Amateur cheese ball entries will be accepted from 10 – 11 a.m. with judging at 11 a.m. The amateur grilled cheese competition will begin at 11 a.m. Winners of both amateur contests plus the winner of the Great Grilled Cheese Professional Challenge will be announced at 1 p.m. with bragging rights for an entire year.

At 6 p.m., the Ambassadors Dinner will be held, guided by David Beaudoin. This event includes seven carefully selected courses that showcase cheese proudly featuring the 100 per cent Canadian Milk designation as well as local produce, artisan products and beverage, sponsored by BC Dairy, BDO and J.Armstrong Shapter Inc.

Tickets are $70 per person and must be purchased by April 11 through the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce. There are no tickets at the door and you must be 19+ to attend the event at St. Joseph’s Hall.

For information on the producers and processors who will be on hand, follow the event on Facebook @TheBigCheeseFestival or at The Big Cheese (aschamber.com), or contact the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.