Fort Simpson (Feb 03/06) - Parents reading books with small children is a common image associated with Family Literacy Day.

Stereotypes were broken at Fort Simpson's Literacy Day celebrations.

Hannah Isaiah launches a monkey into a tree during a rousing game of Jumpin' Monkeys at the Family Literacy Day celebrations in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

First, the event was held a day early. Second, the only books to be found were arranged neatly off to the side. Third, plenty of sticky sweet desserts were offered, often not a good mix where children and books are involved.

On Jan. 26 the focus of attention at the cultural centre was a table pilled high with a variety of games ranging from classics like Scrabble and Risk to the tamer Dr. Seuss ABC Game.

"We wanted something interactive, something where the whole family could come," said Kim Hardisty, a representative for the Deh Cho on the NWT Literacy Board.

Hardisty, along with Val Gendron and the Open Doors Society, organized the event and by all accounts they succeeded.

Tables set up around the centre were packed with more than 35 people of all ages playing board and card games. Space was at such a premium that one group set up on the floor.

Everyone had a favourite game. Blokus was Emily Parker's choice. The bright colours in the game are the best part, she said. At home Parker, 7, usually plays games with her mom and sometimes her dad.

"I really like playing board games with my family," said Madison Pilling, 9.

Games where you have to use dice and go all the way around the board are her favourite.

A game of chance like Yahtzee is where it's at for Cheryl Cli. She was playing with her son Ivor Norwegian who said he wins sometimes. As for strategy, Cli doesn't really have one.

"I just hope for the best," she said.

For Leanne Ocko, 9, games involving money have a draw. Her favourite is Monopoly, "because you get lots of money," she said.

Not surprisingly, Ocko likes being the money bag game piece which is an option on the new board she uses.

The night of games brought back some memories for Karen Gelderman.

Growing up, Gelderman played games including Monopoly, Sorry, Risk and Chinese checkers with her three brothers.

"My brothers were competitive," she said. "If they weren't winning things got tense."

Today her parents enjoy playing dominoes and Skipo.

As for the next generation, Gelderman said her son Ian Keefe, 11, is starting to become more interested in games. Playing Monopoly with his mom, Keefe said he also likes chess and a card game called Bug Off.