Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Monday, August 20, 2007

FORT GOOD HOPE - Travellers from around the Sahtu gathered in Fort Good Hope Aug. 10 to 17 for a week's worth of festivities at this year's Ramparts Rendezvous.

Jacky Cen makes his best attempt at a greased pole climbing contest at Fort Good Hope during Ramparts Rendezvous celebrations Aug. 10 to 17. - photo courtesy of Jacky Cen

Shauna Gully, one of the volunteer organizers, said this year's rendezvous was a huge success, bringing more than 100 visitors to town to join in the fun and games.

"It got everybody together," said Gully. "It was really nice to see everyone."

Included in the week was an evening dedicated to Thomas Manuel Sr., one of the two elders injured during a shooting last month.

The community presented Manuel with hand-crafted gifts. Gully said Manuel was in good shape having now returned home, and even played some music that night.

Gully said the greased pole climb, a new activity for this year, was a big crowd-pleaser. Although many tried to climb, layers of lard made the task tricky. Charles Kochon emerged the winner of the adults, and Jared Masuzumi for the youth, each taking home $500 prizes.

Jacky Cen, a pilot working in the community, said he tried his best at the greased pole with little success.

"Things are a little slow now, so there's lots of opportunity to get out and enjoy the community," said Cen.

While he couldn't tackle the greased pole, his dancing talents were recognized, as he took home $500 in the jigging contest.

He said one of his favourite contests was the classic game of tug-of-war.

"It's just plain old fun, I guess," said Cen.

Gully agreed that the tug-of-war was one of the crowd's favourite events.

"There was a lot of excitement," said Gully. "A lot of people were cheering, encouraging everybody."

Cen also enjoyed the family fun night. Although that night didn't promise the big prizes of the other contests, Cen said he found it was one of his favourite events.

"Everybody just gets together and has some family activities to have fun," said Cen, who tried his best that night at the pudding eating contest.

Gully said toys purchased by the recreation department were given to every child at the festival on Wednesday, even those from out of town.

Visitors came in mainly by charter flights from Colville Lake, Tulita, Norman Wells, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic.

Wilfred Jackson supplied traditional food for all the guests through his hunting and trapping.