The Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival tumbles into its ninth year

Thousands gathered for a cheesy day of frivolity at the annual festival in Whistler, British Columbia

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WHISTLER, BC, Aug. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, in Whistler, British Columbia, 153 determined, cheese-loving competitors and close to 10,000 enthusiasts gathered for the ninth edition of the Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival, hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada. The much-anticipated festival featured cheese rolling races, cheese and cooking seminars, a cheese market, and other free and fun activities for the whole family.

Competitors spent the afternoon chasing an 11-pound wheel of Aged Farmhouse Cheddar, produced by Courtenay, BC-based cheese maker Natural Pastures, down Blackcomb Mountain until champions were declared. Laura Chipman from Bainbridge Island, Washington won the women's race, and Mike MacDonald from Summerland, British Columbia won the men's race. The two Grand Champions each went home with a wheel of the delicious Canadian cheese and a pair of Whistler season's ski passes. As for the kids, 105 children had the opportunity to race: children aged 3 to 14 participated in uphill races and teens aged 15 to 18 participated in downhill races.

"Nine years since its inception and with every passing year, the Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival continues to surpass our expectations for fun at every turn," said Sandra Da Silva, assistant director, marketing & nutrition communications, Dairy Farmers of Canada. "Dairy Farmers of Canada is thrilled to witness the love and passion for Canadian cheese produced across the country by Canadians and visitors from around the globe."

In addition to the races, adventurous cheese lovers took in a host of other fun activities including cheese and wine pairing seminars, recipe demos with chef Ned Bell, and a Cheese Market featuring cheese makers from across the country sampling a large variety of delicious Canadian cheeses made from 100% Canadian milk.

New this year was Just for Laughs comedian Ivan Decker as the festival emcee, uphill dodge ball, where competitors raced up the hill dodging foam balls, and a smoothie bar sponsored by IGA Marketplace. The festivities continued after the event at the Après Cheese party at Black's Restaurant in Whistler Village, where festival goers enjoyed a Canadian Cheese Rolling-inspired menu, sampled more cheese and had the opportunity to win one of the 11-pound wheels of cheese.

Adding to the excitement, all attendees were encouraged to come wearing a costume for a chance to win fabulous prizes from local restaurants and sponsors.  Winners were judged by the crowd and awarded in four categories including best individual, team, child, and cheesiest costume.

Visit canadiancheeserolling.ca for more information about the Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interest of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)

Video with caption: "Video: Thousands gathered for a cheesy day of frivolity at the Dairy Farmers of Canada's Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler, British Columbia on Saturday, August 20, 2016.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20160820_C2812_VIDEO_EN_756547.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20160820_C2812_PHOTO_EN_756547.jpg&order=1&jdd=20160820&cnum=C2812

Image with caption: "Cheese-loving competitors experience the cheese chasing mania at the ninth edition of the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, hosted by Dairy Farmers of Canada, in Whistler, British Columbia on Saturday, August 20, 2016. (CNW Group/Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160820_C2812_PHOTO_EN_756536.jpg

Image with caption: "Mike MacDonald from Summerland, British Columbia and Laura Chipman from Bainbridge Island, Washington reigned supreme at the Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler, British Columbia on Saturday, August 20, 2016. The two Grand Champions each went home with an 11-pound wheel of the delicious Canadian cheese and a pair of Whistler season's ski passes. (CNW Group/Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160820_C2812_PHOTO_EN_756537.jpg

For high resolution photos and video footage from the event, please contact: Sandra Da Silva, Dairy Farmers of Canada, 647.633.3741, [email protected]