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NNSL Photo

A big part of Newfie Night is raising money for a children's hospital on "The Rock." Here, the staff of NorthMart pooled $1,200 to buy an autographed guitar. - Terry Halifax/NNSL photo

Long may your big jib draw!

Newfie party packs the Zoo to help sick kids

Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 01/02) - About 200 mainlanders and Newfies met for a night of food and a special brand of East Coast fun last Saturday at the Zoo for the 10th Annual Newfie Party.

Trevor Smith, one of the event's organizers, said they have held the event on the same day for the past 10 years.

"In Newfoundland they have Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night and we hold it on that night, just to keep the tradition going," Smith said.

The evening begins with a potluck dinner.

"Everybody brought a dish and we had some really good food," Smith said.

He said the meal had mostly mainland fare but they did have a course of "fish and brews."

"It's a combination of fish and hard bread with pork scrunchins," Smith explains.

The Newfies get together to share some songs and bend a few elbows, as well as recruit honourary Newfies through the Screechin' In ceremony.

"Everybody has to repeat a Newfoundland saying, drink one ounce of Newfoundland Screech and then kiss the cod fish," he said. "Here, we had to substitute Arctic Char, 'cause that's where we're to."

Games and activities filled out the night and a dance and auction followed.

All the funds raised from the event go to Jane Way Children's Hospital in St. John's, Nfld.

"Most of our money comes from the ticket price at the door, but we also get things donated, which we auction off," he said.

Axe Music in Edmonton donated an autographed guitar for the auction which brought a final bid of $1,200.

After expenses, Smith said, the night raised over $2,700 for the cause.

Smith said there are about 250 Newfies in Inuvik.

"There are enough Newfies here that we don't really even lose our accent," he said.

He said although thousands of miles from home, they don't lose their roots either.

"We have our own culture and heritage and we really like to promote it," Smith said.