Yellowknife (Mar 30/05) - Caribou Carnival's 50th anniversary created golden memories for volunteers and participants.

"People were smiling and laughing and having fun; they were giving us compliments,"said Jim Taylor, a key organizer of the annual outdoor event.

"You know you've done a good job if little kids come up to you and say 'this is so much fun.' It's been an absolutely wonderful weekend."

Good weather brought out thousands to Carnival events throughout Easter weekend according to Carol Van Tighem, event co-ordinator.

"We had 5,000 Caribou Carnival pins for sale and now only have a few left and I know not everyone bought a pin or was wearing one," Van Tighem said.

The Northern cultural tent where Dene drummers played hand games was one of the main attractions.

Sporting events, entertainment and traditional games such as the blanket toss rounded out the event.

Hundreds lined up for maple syrup treats and snacks at booths that lined the carnival square on Frame Lake.

At one concession stand, Nabil Zara said the weekend was quite busy.

"On Friday we almost sold out of burgers.

"Cheeseburgers were the hottest things," Zara said.

Taylor, a first-time on-site co-ordinator, said many volunteers worked hard to ensure the success of the carnival's 50th year.

From individuals to concession workers to Canadian Forces Northern Area personnel, Taylor said Yellowknife community spirit shone throughout the weekend.

"There are a lot of people who co-operate.

"If you see anybody who spent just five minutes down here helping, thank them."

Visiting for the first time were Marcus and Tara King from Edmonton.

"It's pretty cool. I liked the dog races," Marcus said.

For Bill Erasmus, the carnival meant meeting old friends and reminiscing about carnivals gone by.

"I remember when all the activity was down on the bay. I actually preferred that location because everything was in one place," Erasmus said.

But today, more concession stands and activities are ongoing during the event, he said.

Erasmus also recalled that carnival time was an occasion for people to dress in their finest traditional wear.

"All the ladies would start sewing mitts and gloves and moccasins and parkas.

"There was a time when we all would put on our finest and that doesn't seem to happen much anymore.

"I think they should encourage that more.

"Years ago, this was when people would come in off the land and bring in their furs and then go back out for spring hunt. It was a gathering spot," Erasmus said.

Cathy Short was one onlooker who was comfortable in the cultural tent.

"I like these hand games. It's pretty good," Short said.

Caribou cop Karen Pryznyk caught the spirit of the event as she wandered through the crowd, ensuring everyone wore a carnival pin.

"It's so much more fun if you get involved in some way. You get to harass people and they are very good natured about it," Pryznyk laughed.

"They'll either have a story or five dollars for a button, so it's been great."

Taylor said Caribou Carnival is a unique event.

"It's a carnival on a lake and I don't know anywhere else that does that."

"The only negative thing about Caribou Carnival is that it only lasted three days.

"Next year is going to be better."

- More photos on pages 16-17