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Wild cheering and flag-waving erupted throughout this scenic Pacific coastal city after it was chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. We did it!" screamed Jennifer Goepel, 28, her face painted red and white with the Canadian maple leaf.

Goepel had stood on the floor of the General Motors Place, where the city's main celebration occurred, with hands clasped in a praying posture until IOC President Jacques Rogge opened the white envelope.

"The International Olympic Committee has the honor of announcing that the 21st Olympic Winter Games are awarded to the city of Vancouver," Rogge declared.

Crowds about 90 miles away at the Whistler ski resort shouted their joy, with celebrants hugging each other while twirling towels and waving banners marked by the red Canadian maple leaf.

The front-page of a special edition of the Vancouver Sun newspaper head a headline with the lone word: "Yes!"

The Vancouver bid calls for most events to be held in the city of 2 million surrounded by snowcapped mountains, while skiing and other competition will take place at Whistler.

Jim Green, a member of the Vancouver city council, said the Olympics means change for the city.

"It's going to amazing," Green said. "A new city will emerge."

People lined up outside the Vancouver arena well before it opened to watch on giant screens as the announcement was broadcast live from Prague, Czech Republic. A carnival atmosphere ensued, with the brightly dressed crowd, many sporting painted faces and Canadian flags, prepared to celebrate victory.

Breakfast boxes were given to the crowd inside, and 1,000 beach balls in red and white, the national colors, bounced about

"Just putting on an event to cover a decision is almost an Olympic event in itself," said Sam Corea, media relations director of the Vancouver-Whistler bid.