Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Nov 09/98) - It wasn't exactly what you would call a fair fight -- 107 hungry, carnivorous humans against 3,500 New Brunswick oysters.

But, after about seven hours and a few minor casualties that included cut hands and sore wrists, the humans had managed to shuck their way to victory.

Mais oui, madames et monsieurs...it was the association francophone d'Iqaluit-sponsored oyster party and, according to the organizers and many of the participants, it was the biggest and the best oyster festival yet.

"We had such an event last Saturday. We didn't have one like that for five years," said Jean-Baptiste Chassaing, the association's administrative secretary.

Even though he's relatively new to the North, the native of France said he had no trouble recognizing a good Iqaluit francophone time.

"We were at full capacity. We sold all 107 tickets and everything was booked two days before. It was a good ambience."

And ambience it had. Not counting the late evening limbo contest, just one look around the crowded hall saw the seasoned shuckers showing the more timid diners the much needed stab-and-twist motion followed by the tabasco-and-slurp consumption method.

But, never fear --while many of the association's 123 members, 25 per cent of which are anglophone, come out in droves to the yearly oyster bash, Chassaing reassured those who preferred less involved dining that his next food feat would be easier to swallow.

"In November, we're doing North African...I have to prepare the activities and try to find volunteers to help decorate and prepare meals," said Chassaing.

So, if you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands and a desire to join the association which represents about 12 per cent of Iqaluit's population, memberships can be purchased for $20 and include discount tickets with one small catch.

"The moment you come in here, we expect people to try and speak our language."

The North African meal gets under way on Nov. 14 and tickets are limited.