Kokanee invites fans to get creative

Popular Crank the Can Facebook design contest returns to celebrate Crankworx 2010

VANCOUVER, June 24 /CNW/ - Kokanee is giving consumers the chance to once again make their mark on the iconic Kokanee can. Fans are encouraged to get their creative juices flowing and submit original artwork in the Kokanee Crank the Can design contest at www.facebook.com/kokanee. The prize? An unforgettable VIP experience at Kokanee Crankworx 2010 and the chance to have their designs immortalized on next year's limited edition Kokanee Crankworx can series.

"Kokanee loves getting fans involved with the brand," says Mike Bascom, Marketing Manager for Kokanee. "We brought Crank the Can back again this year because it provides Kokanee lovers the chance to become part of the Crankworx experience and showcase their talent leading up to event. We're excited to see how creative fans will get with their can designs this year."

The Crank the Can Facebook design contest celebrates Kokanee's title sponsorship of Kokanee Crankworx, one of the biggest and most popular freeride mountain bike festivals in the world. Kokanee Crankworx hits North America's ultimate playground, Whistler, BC on August 7, 2010 and promises nine epic days of excitement and entertainment, on and off the hill.

"Every year Crankworx seems to get bigger and better, and Kokanee is extremely excited and proud to be a key sponsor of this legendary festival," says Bascom. "Kokanee Crankworx truly represents living in the moment and Western Canada's summer active lifestyle - and that's what Kokanee is all about."

Fans can look for the limited edition 2009 Crank the Can Kokanee can series on shelves now across Western Canada, featuring winning designs from last year's contest. The 2009 Crank the Can designs feature the iconic Kokanee glacier mountains but with unique Crankworx twists full of graphic energy.

"Kokanee has a strong connection to the mountains and is a natural fit for Crankworx," says Jeremy Roche, General Manager of Kokanee Crankworx. "Kokanee continues to play an integral role in the growing success of the event. We're excited to see that sponsorship immortalized on the Kokanee can this year."

Get cranking!

Beer lovers can submit their designs to the Kokanee fan page at www.facebook.com/kokanee. On July 27, Kokanee will narrow down the entries to six finalists, each of whom will win a trip for two to Crankworx, and then open up voting to Kokanee fans who will determine the three top designs through Facebook and on-site voting at the festival.

As added incentives, fans who vote at Kokanee Crankworx will have a chance to win a mountain bike and those who "like" a can design on Facebook are entered to win a VIP trip to the festival. The winning can designs will be unveiled during the Slopestyle final on August 15 at Kokanee Crankworx and should appear on store shelves across Western Canada next summer.

About Kokanee

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Sourced exclusively from the Columbia Brewery, Kokanee lager is an authentic domestic specialty beer and a true taste of British Columbia. Built in 1959, the Columbia Brewery is located in picturesque Creston and is part of the rich brewing tradition of British Columbia. In addition to Kokanee and Kokanee Light, the Columbia Brewery also produces Kokanee Gold and Kootenay True Ale.

No purchase necessary. Must be 19+ to participate in the Kokanee Crankworx contests. See www.facebook.com/kokanee for details.

For further information: Sunny McKechnie - Edelman: 604-623-3007 or [email protected]; Stephanie Tan - Labatt: 604-642-0808 or [email protected]