Whistler Pride and Ski Festival returns
Posted January 25, 2023 6:41 pm.
Last Updated January 26, 2023 12:15 pm.
The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is back in full force after years of scaled-back events during the pandemic.
Running from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29, this year’s festival brings in some huge local and global talent to celebrate 30 years in action.
One of the world’s most famous Drag Queens, Bianca Del Rio, is well-known to many since winning RuPaul’s Drag Season 6 and several global stand-up comedy tours. Del Rio is headlining the Whistler Pride Festival with a stand-up comedy performance to help celebrate the festival’s 30th year and says she’s thrilled to be there.
An ad is shown for Del Rio’s comedy performance at Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. (Courtesy: Whistler Pride and Ski Festival)
“This all came at a really good time, and you know I do enjoy the gays and the fact that we’re celebrating 30 years, which is crazy because I’m 27 years in drag. Time flies, and I’m just happy to be here celebrating, it’s one of those things. I didn’t know the gays like skiing that much,” said Del Rio.
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Whistler Pride Festival Director Sunil Sinha says eventgoers are more enthusiastic than ever, and the festival has broken ticket records for every event so far.
“Bringing these strong names into a small resort town of 10,000 people is remarkable. They love it, everybody loves coming up here. Of course, everybody loves coming to Canada,” said Sinha.
Sinha says the festival isn’t just outsourcing performers, with local talent set to be on display as well.
“We’ve got performers in Whistler region, Squamish area, and Vancouver, all coming up to contribute and be part of the festival, and also be part of our talent lineup,” he explained.
“We’re always excited to showcase our local talent to an international audience. … The award-winning Vancouver sketch comedian duo Ryan Steele and Amy Goodmurphy of The Ryan and Amy Show are opening for Bianca Del Rio.”
According to Sinha, the event is focusing on inclusivity and openness by welcoming all backgrounds of people to the 30th-anniversary rendition of the festival.
Del Rio says she’s just happy to be invited and partake in the event, and she suggests attendees expect a fun and unusual performance when she takes the stage.
“I always say, ‘expect the unexpected,’ and specifically tonight because when I get to do these events, whenever I’m not touring, there’s always a mishmash of stuff where I can throw in new material and also get to work with an audience,” said Del Rio.
