by Trent Lorcher

Created on: July 23, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

Whistler, British Columbia's annual festivals and events will keep you tuned in to the fun year round.

Here are some highlights:

CAMPGROUND C' COUNTRY ROCK FESTIVAL

Canadian Rednecks unite every August for a boot-kicking good time! This year's performers include people I've never heard of. The Whistler Golf Course Driving Range should provide plenty of entertainment as bands either rock or become targets for angry fans with golf clubs.

CANADIEN NATIONAL BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Since Canadians can't play hockey in August, they found a new sport: competitive barbecue. Winners qualify for the American Royal World Championships in Kansas City and the Jack Daniels World Barbecue Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee. For entry fees, rules, and more, visit their website.

KOKANEE CRANKWORX

Remember when you were a kid and tried to do stunts on your brand new BMX bike, toppled over the handlebars while jumping a mud puddle, bent the rims, broke the spokes, and were grounded for a month? Now you can relive your childhood at Whistler's premier mountain bike festival each August. A schedule of events, free for spectators, can be found here.

WHISTLER CORNUCOPIA

Tired of fast food cheeseburgers with the kids? Then check out a buffet of Epicurean events at Whistler Cornucopia, held each November. The festival's wine tasting seminars, refined brunches, and memorable parties offer something for gourmets, industry insiders, and drunken gluttonous winebibbers. A schedule of events can be found here.

ARTRAGEOUS

Attention art lovers, check out Whistler's annual November art bash, featuring local artists, wild roving performers, and a live band. Artrageous describes itself as "a blend of Moroccan mystique, interactive artwork and photography, and a little food, wine and silk." In other words, leave your Lynnard Skynnard bandana, Harley Davidson chaps, and Oakland Raiders jersey at home.

BIZARRE BAZAAR

This annual holiday fair, held Thanksgiving weekend, offers an array of clothing, fine art, wood, glass, metal, jewelry, and more. If you really want to impress your friends at Christmas, buy some stuff and tell them you made it yourself.

WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL

Each year during the first weekend of December, the Whistler Film Festival presents more than 90 films from around the world. The festival includes parties, celebration, and the annual Celebrity Challenge Ski Race. The 2007 festival featured a sold out opening gala screening of Denys Arcand's Days of Darkness and other movies you probably haven't seen. For this year's schedule, visit here.

WHISTLER'S FIRST NIGHT

For those who don't enjoy watching drunken buffoons puke all over themselves while groping each other on New Year's Eve, check out Whistler's annual alcohol free art celebration as you usher in the new year. Sober people of all ages will enjoy live music, art workshops, and street entertainment that doesn't involve classless hussies bearing their breasts. Learn more at www.whistlerfirstnight.com.

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