MONTREAL – Dairy Farmers of Canada announced today the return of one of Canada's most exciting and unique festivals and event. The Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival will be held on August 17th from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in Whistler, British Columbia. This much anticipated festival will feature cheese rolling races, costume contests and other fun activities for the whole family.
An 11-pound wheel of Pacific Pepper Verdelait cheese, produced by British Columbia cheese maker Natural Pastures, will roll down a hill and enthusiastic and ambitious cheese lovers will chase after it. The first contestant to make it down the hill wins. The winners get to take home the giant, coveted wheel of delicious Canadian cheese and a Whistler season ski pass for two. As in previous years, Whistler village will be promoting the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival with activities, restaurant promotions and much more a few days before the event.
"Dairy Farmers of Canada is thrilled to bring the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival back to Whistler," says Sandra Da Silva, program manager, public relations, Dairy Farmers of Canada. "Cheese-loving Canadians and visitors from all over the world are invited again to partake in the many activities the festival has to offer. It's a great event for the entire family and a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on Canadian cheese from coast-to-coast."
The race course will be set up in Whistler's Upper Village on Blackcomb Mountain. Free round trip transportation to the Blackcomb Mountain Base 2 parking lot via Excalibur Gondola in Whistler village is available for everyone. Anyone over 19 years of age can participate and contestants can register on site on August 17th at 11:00 am. The downhill event will consist of seven men's and four women's races. The winner from each round will compete in the finals. For the kids, there will also be uphill races categorized by age.
A costume contest will be held again this year. All race participants are invited to wear costumes for the chance to win a $500 gift voucher from IGA Marketplace. Prior to each race heat, the official cheese roller will award costumed contestants a ribbon. After all the race heats, all ribbon-awarded costumed contestants will gather at the base of the course, where a panel of judges will select their top five favourite costumes, which will then be judged by the crowd. Team costumes will be judged as one participating unit, not individually. The contestant or team that receives the most applause will be selected as the costume contest winner(s).
Participants, families and spectators can take in a host of other fun things at the festival, including activities for children, free cheese seminars and a Cheese Market full of delicious samples of Canadian cheese made from 100% Canadian milk. Visitors will also be able to buy cheeses from different Canadian provinces. Vancouver native and Breakfast Television host, Riaz Meghji, is this year's event emcee.
To learn more about the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival and to view videos and photos from past festivals, visit www.canadiancheeserolling.ca.
About Canadian Cheese
Cheese is a staple food in the Canadian diet. The cheese making industry is one of Canada's oldest, dating back nearly as far as the fur trade. Canadian cheese is perfect for any occasion, from a quick snack to an elegant cheese and wine or beer tasting – and everything in between. In addition to being tasty and nutritious, cheese is the most versatile food in your fridge. There are always new Canadian cheeses to try and remember, that no matter how you slice it, any time is the right time for cheese made from 100% Canadian milk!
About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) promotes the wholesome goodness of dairy products as part of a healthy, balanced diet and encourages good nutrition and physical activity for all Canadians. DFC is completely funded by dairy producers.
Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada
