A smash hit!
Organizers proud of this year's turnout

Catherine Gillis
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 05/00) - This weekend's infusion of sunshine and unusually warm temperatures helped make Caribou Carnival a smash hit.

"The weather was totally co-operative. We had some great volunteers. The board worked very hard," says Julia Mott, president of this year's carnival.

"We are a new board, except for one member, (so) we have never been involved before. Everyone was delighted on how the community came together to help us."

Ed Henderson, one of the many caribou cops, says that Caribou Carnival was great this year.

"The weather was fantastic! Everyone had a great time, and all the kids had huge smiles on their faces. The concessions were wonderful, and all the volunteers did a super job in pitching in. Next year's carnival is going to be bigger and better, thanks to this year's success!"

Carnival-goers were able to take part in several events including the snowmobile and bike races.

The snowboarding contest was a success, and the Waiter\Waitress relay was a big hit once again. The Northern Stage put on many unique and truly Northern contests for all ages.

Fireworks went off on Friday night and, as we all hoped for, they were spectacular.

As for food, the sugar shack was a big success, the tent was packed to the limit all weekend long. Other food concessions included the Burger Pit, Taste of the North, Caribou Lounge, Margo's Lunch Counter, and more.

"The concessions all reported busy business and have, virtually without exception, asked to come back next year," Mott says.

She adds, "The board wanted to ensure we had more things to do this year. First analysis says that we were successful."

Mott notes that teenagers, too, played an important role in the carnival.

"We tried very hard to include teens. Megan Cooper was our youth advisor. We added snowboarding which was exceptionally popular. I counted over 200 people watching on Sunday alone.

"The teen dance went off without a hitch. Our veejays were excellent and all the kids had fun."