Inaugural Great Plains Cheese & Ice Cream Festival to offer delicious family fun
June 6, 2019
This paid event listing is sponsored by Strawbale Winery.
Taste South Dakota-made cheeses and ice creams with a day of fun for the entire family at the first Great Plains Cheese & Ice Cream Festival.
It’s hosted by Strawbale Winery in Renner on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Our business has evolved over the years, and we wanted to include families to come out to our country setting and enjoy our brand: ‘Experience life in slow motion.’ In these busy times, we need to enjoy our time together as families,” co-owner Susie South said.
“Ice cream and cheese is something all ages can enjoy, from kids to grandparents, as they make memories that will last for years.”
Vendors selling at the festival include:
- Bell Brands (Babybel)
- Dimock Cheese
- Stensland Family Farms ice cream and cheese
- Farm Life Creamery
- Tasty Trolley
- Dakota Snow/Sub Zero Desserts
- Käsemeister Creamery
“Honestly, we were aware of a few cheese and ice cream manufacturers but were amazed how many there are in the area,” South said.
The festival also will be filled with kid-friendly activities, including farm and zoo animals, games, face painting, inflatables and music for all ages.
Plan ahead to save on tickets. Pre-sale tickets are $8 for adults or $10 on the day of the festival. Kids age 12 and younger are $2 any time. To order, click here. Money raised by the festival will benefit the Family Visitation Center, which provides a safe place for kids to spend time with their parents.
“Children served by Family Visitation Center have been caught in the middle of complicated family dynamics like divorce, domestic violence or substance abuse,” South said. “It’s so important that children build emotional bonds with their parents, creating a foundation for them to build relationships later in life. That’s what this organization helps support, and we’re honored to do our part to support their mission.”
Strawbale Winery also has several others fundraisers this summer to benefit other area organizations:
- Yoachella, a yoga and meditation festival for the whole family June 22.
- Summer Hospice Benefit Concert with The Shamrockers on June 29. These amazing musical artists are jamming in an outdoor concert for the Avera Swan Songs Program at the Dougherty Hospice House.
- Folk Off & Rib Challenge, all-day musical and BBQ competitions July 27. Red Willow Band is the evening headliner. The combined competitions are a fundraiser for the Friends of Traditional Music and Children’s Miracle Network.
- Fiddles and Friends, an evening of music and wine Aug. 24 that’s a joint effort with SDPB. Renowned fiddlers Owen DeJong, Tom Schaefer and Kenny Putnam are coming together for a rare joint appearance. sdpb.org/fiddles
Strawbale also will again host its Summer Porch event series every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. through mid-September. It’s an evening of live music, local artists selling their wares and food vendors from around the area. Click here to learn more.
Sangria Sunday will be every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. through the end of September and includes sangria summer wine and live music. Click here to learn more.