Inuvik (July 26/04) - First day sales of more than $66,000 at the 16th Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik dispelled worries that fires in Alaska, the Yukon and the NWT were keeping visitors away.

"I feel fantastic and I'm having a great time," said festival artistic director Lynn Feasey.

"Everything is going smoothly and I'm looking forward to what's in store."

Feasey, her staff and the scores of volunteers had little time to revel in early successes, as the festival's itinerary was packed solid.

Thursday night Mitaartut (The Mimickers) -- a Greenland mask dancing and theatrical interpretation -- performed at the recreation complex.

Friday evening CBC North presented "High Arctic-High Fashion," which was a hit with fashion lovers.

The show was inspired by the fashion houses of Paris and Milan.

Before the show, Feasey promised an haute-couture spectacle of the highest order.

"The designers are still creating as we speak," she said.

"And I'm sure they are taking some inspiration from some of the other artists' work on display, so it's going to be exciting to see what they come up with."

If Thursday's mask dancing and Friday's fashion show weren't enough to satisfy the discerning visitor, Saturday's Stuck in a Snowbank Theatre Company presentation did the trick.

The Yellowknife troupe gave a matinee and an evening showing of The Ballad of Isabel Gunn.

On the opening day of the festival, more than 500 artists and guests jammed the Midnight Sun Recreation Hall.

Speeches from a host a dignitaries and sponsors were followed by the ceremonial entry of the whalebone -- marking the official opening of the festival -- before those in attendance were able to do what they came for: browse the great array of art from the circumpolar region and beyond.

The Great Northern Arts Festival wrapped up Sunday with artist awards and closing ceremonies.