Ninth annual Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival returns to Whistler this Saturday (August 20)

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      A highly-anticipated race will be taking place this weekend—but don’t expect the conventional running marathon or bike competition.

      Adventurous participants will be chasing an 11-pound wheel of cheese at the ninth annual Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival at Whistler Blackcomb (4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler) on Saturday (August 20) from 11 to 4 p.m.

      For those who aren’t familiar with the history of cheese rolling, the peculiar event originated from the United Kingdom and has taken place since the fifteenth century.

      But how did this European tradition migrate its way to Canada?

      “We wanted to find new ways to promote Canadian cheese and Canadian cheese-makers,” Sandra Da Silva, organizer of the Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival, told the Straight by phone.“We were trying to find unique ways of promoting it and we thought of this fun idea.”

      And that was how this B.C. festival, in collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Canada, was born nine years ago. A popular event among British Columbians, organizers are expecting an attendance of between 10,000 to 12,000 people.

      “Each and every year it gets bigger and better, and we definitely anticipate the same if not more people this year,” said Da Silva.

      Free registration begins at 11 a.m. at the festival entrance (where you exit the Excalibur Gondola), and entry is first-come, first-served. There will be seven men’s heats and four women’s heats in the annual cheese rolling competition.

      As the large wheel of cheese rolls down the hill, racers have to chase it toward the finish line. It’s not an easy feat—those who do participate in the race should be mentally prepared to slip, trip, and tumble for a chance at winning.

      Safety measures will be in place: racers will be required to wear helmets that are provided on site, and shin, knee, and elbow pads will be offered as well.

      Cheese rolling races are not an easy task.
      Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival

      Competitors will be vying for the coveted prizes—the official cheese wheel made from natural pastures, as well as two Whistler Blackcomb season ski passes.

      In addition to cheese rolling, plenty of other activities will also be available for guests of all ages. This includes cheese tastings and seminars, a cooking class with Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise chef Ned Bell, uphill cheese wheel dodgeball, face painting, a smoothie bar, and more.

      Organizers are also encouraging attendees to participate in its costume contest hosted by comedian Ivan Decker. Those who dress up as a block of cheese or other silly and creative costumes may have a chance to win great prizes, including gift baskets and gift cards from local restaurants.

      The fun doesn’t stop after the cheese rolling races are finished—an après cheese party will take place at Black’s Pub & Restaurant (4270 Mountain Square, Whistler). Guests can expect a special selection of dishes that feature Canadian cheeses.

      “The festival is all about celebrating the love of Canadian cheese,” said Da Silva. “There are plenty of great activities and fun events, but we really want [attendees] to experience and explore what Canada has to offer in terms of cheese.”

      Follow Tammy Kwan on Twitter @ch0c0tam and Instagram @ch0c0tam.

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