Fort Simpson (Jul 07/06) - Fort Simpson got its yearly dose of arts and culture during the sixth annual Open Sky Festival over the weekend.

This was the biggest year yet with more performers than ever before, said Simone Hanos the festival co-ordinator.

"It went really well," said Hanos.

Topping the popularity chart was the dance on July 1.

More than 300 people came out to listen to the music of The Jared Sowan Project and Godson.

Many of the arts and cultural workshops held over the weekend were also well received.

The most popular was the jewelry design session hosted by Martin Goodliffe, said Hanos.

Also drawing in crowds were the workshops on soapstone carving, scroll saw woodwork and moose hair tufting.

Fort Simpson made a good impression on many of the visiting tourists, artists and crafts people, said Christina Holman, the chair of the Open Sky Creative Society.

"They thought the Open Sky Festival was one of the best arts and crafts promotion venues they have seen," Holman said.

Marion Arnold is one of the crafts people who was impressed. Arnold came from Smithers, B.C., to display her glass bead pictures.

"We really enjoyed our visit and the people have been just fantastic," said Arnold.

For artist and biologist Diane Boudreau, of Yellowknife, every year there is a reason to travel to the village.

"I enjoy coming back here," said Boudreau.

This was her fifth year at the festival.

She taught a mural workshop and displayed some of her urban artwork.

Boudreau particularly enjoyed the Nah a Dehe exhibit at the visitors' information centre.

"I'm very impressed by the exhibit they did," said Boudreau.