Yellowknife (Mar 31/04) - If you didn't witness Mayor Gord Van Tighem doing the cancan, then you must have missed Caribou Capers.

The event sold out at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre last Thursday night, an indication of renewed carnival spirit in the city.

Caribou Carnival queen 2004 Elsbeth Fossum calls her parents from the dressing room backstage at NACC, following the coronation. - NNSL photo

Although Sherry Shields has lived in Yellowknife for 25 years, she had never been to a Caribou Capers before. But Thursday night she was enjoying the show, especially the highland dancers. She said she was ready for the carnival.

"I've got my badge and everything," she said.

The evening's entertainment was eclectic and included a classical guitarist, an Elvis impersonator, a longjohn striptease and throat singers, in addition to the highland dancers.

Backstage at intermission, stage manager Marty Brown characterized the show as "out of control."

Before doing the cancan with the Diamond Divas, the mayor presented the Bush Gear awards to the businesses with the best decorations.

The judges' favourite was Aurora College, but Royal Bank won the Old Tin Cup award for the best home brew, the department of Municipal and Community Affairs took the Old Boot award for the best display and the Trap Door award for best costumes went to the City of Yellowknife (apparently there was a fur jock strap involved).

The evening was capped off by the crowning of Caribou Queen Elsbeth Fossum and Princess Karlee Turner.

Immediately after the show, Fossum called her parents in Ontario and woke them up with the good news.

"I'm stoked," said Fossum.

She was also astonished she had managed to beat Mildred Wilke, who took the Miss Congeniality sash. Alaina Reyes won the Milestone award.

Fossum raised $5,710 and won a trip for two to Edmonton.

"I'm bringing my friends snowboarding with my prize," she said.