Cheeserolling in Whistler
2nd Annual Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler on Aug 15th, 2009
Okay, so a whopping, 11-pound cheese wheel is thrown down a hill and everyone chases it.
On the way down, racers lose their footing and end up tumbling, rolling, sliding and bumping down. Traditionally, the first person to get down the hill to the finish line wins the race, the cheese, and a pair of Whistler Season passes.
For the past 200 years (at least!), English men and women have gathered by the hundreds to take part in the wackiest of UK traditions – cheese rolling! And now it’s a Canadian tradition too. The 2nd annual Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival, on August 15th from 12-4 in Whistler, gives Canadians the chance to try out this zany contest and chase a wheel of cheese down a slope at BC’s famed Whistler resort. Come chase the cheese or bring the family to watch and take part in loads of other activities.
Last year, the event made its Canadian debut in Whistler, where over 5000 people turned up to watch 200 cheese rollers brave the hill.
Wanna watch?
Canadian comedian Roman Danylo will be the MC for this year’s event. Choose your spot on the hill to catch the action then laugh, giggle, snort, point, cheer, jeer, clap, shout and yell as much as you want. This isn’t a golf tournament so no polite clapping please. Remember to have your cameras ready, because you’re going to want to capture this! You can upload your pics and videos onto the Canadian Cheese Rolling Facebook page to share the action with others.
Wanna roll?
Canadian Cheese Rolling returns to Whistler, British Columbia, on August 15th, with the first race starting at 1pm. There’ll be men and womens’ heats throughout the afternoon, with kids’ uphill races in-between. Adult racers who’ve made it past the finish line first get to compete in the Race of Champions. Bring your friends, your best costume and protective gear!
Wanna do kids stuff?
As well as watching the main races, there’s loads for kids to do. Aspiring cheese rollers can compete in the kids’ version of the race (which goes uphill instead) and start their training early with all sorts of fun activities.
Wanna eat?
Stroll on over to the Festival area to sample some of Canada’s cheeses made with 100% Canadian milk. There’ll be cheese seminars and you’ll get to meet local cheese makers. You can sample and buy cheeses from all over Canada — both familiar favourites and more adventurous flavours. Kick back, chill out, taste and discover.
Find out more and sign up: http://www.canadiancheeserolling.ca/
