It's official - Whistler's biggest party, the Bearfoot Bistro's Masquerave, is back.
The rave, internationally famous for its body-painted models, music, mouth-watering nibbles and free-flowing spirits will be held Nov.12 from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. as part of Whistler's annual Cornucopia event.
"We are excited to bring back Masquerave as Whistler's 'must attend' event of the year," said Bearfoot owner Andre Saint-Jacques.
"Our corporate sponsors and guest chefs will add extra cachet this year, so that more than 1,000 partygoers can enjoy the best of Canada's food, international wines and entertainment."
It's been over five years since the last Masquerave, which ended over roadblocks in liquor licensing as well as other issues.
This week also saw Whistler council support the hosting of the event until 4 a.m. - something it had been reticent to do in the past.
Considered a marquee event of Cornucopia resort leaders have been supporting a return of the Masquerave at all levels of government.
The event this year will see international DJs with live musicians, light shows, burlesque-style entertainment, and circus art performance will ignite the evening, while models adorned with winery-inspired body paintings will add the element of eroticism now synonymous with Masquerave.
With the culinary experience taking centre stage, the evening will highlight six chefs from British Columbia and six chefs from the province of Québec, each creating masterful canapés at separate food stations, to complement the exquisite creations designed by Bearfoot's award-winning executive chef, Melissa Craig.
Guests will sip from a range of 40 local and international wines, and celebrate with Dom Pérignon champagne. Chefs lending their skills to the event include 'C's' Rob Clarke, Gord Martin from Bin 941 and Go Fish, Cioppino's Pino Posterero, Vikram Vij from Vij's, and Hidekazu Tojo from Tojo's Restaurant; also joining the chefs will be Joe Forte's oyster shucker 'Oyster Bob.'
St. Jacques will also be using the event to raise money for ONE DROP, an initiative of Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil® - an organization that fights poverty worldwide through supporting access to water. Funds will also support Whistler's Ecole La Passerelle (Francophone school) and the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation.
