SHERBROOKE, QC - Spectators from all around Quebec and beyond gathered outside the city's hockey arena to welcome the Vancouver 2010 Olympic flame. The celebration began Saturday evening around five o'clock and the crowds were entertained by local musicians, acrobatic performances, interpretive painting and a mix of circus arts and street entertainment. Attendees were able to get their picture taken with a torch as well as give snowboarding a try with the Winter Olympics video game.

The torch arrived around seven o'clock carried by Candian short track speed skater Valerie Lambert. The crowds roared as she lit the olympic cauldron, officially welcoming the Olympic spirit to the city. Members of the Torch Relay crew thanked everyone for attending and thanked the city and all those involved. A local choir was selected to sing the Canadian National Anthem before wrapping up the festivities by passing on the Olympic Flame.

A similar celebration will be held in Montreal on December 10th as the torch makes it's way across the country.

The torch will arrive in Vancouver during the opening ceremonies of the 21st Winter Olympic Games on February 12, 2010. The flame will have traveled over 27,000 miles and will be the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history. The Vancouver Olympics will be the third time Canada has hosted the games. The 1976 Summer Olympics were held in Montreal, Quebec while the 1988 Winter Olympics were held in Calgary, Alberta.

For more information about the Torch Relay or the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, log on to http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-torch-relay/ .