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Mackenzie Days set to begin

Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Thursday, July 26, 2007

FORT SIMPSON - Mackenzie Days in Fort Providence has been designed to be more youth and family friendly this year.

NNSL Photo/Graphic

Roland Nadli sits in his float during last year's Mackenzie Days' parade. The parade is expected to draw lots of float entries again this year. - NNSL file photo

In addition to the staple favourites of the festival, organizers have put an emphasis on activities for children and youth.

From Aug. 1-5 there will be a number activities for young people, said Loretta Landry, one of the members of the Mackenzie Days Committee.

On Wednesday there will be a pool party at the pool and on Thursday the Friendship Centre will be running a mini carnival for youth at 7 p.m. On Friday there will be a youth talent show at the arena starting at 6 p.m. followed by a Much Music video dance at the school gym. The youth co-ed slo-pitch tournament being held by the Friendship Centre is also set to start on July 3.

The slo-pitch tournament will continue on Saturday along with more mini carnival activities and the youth canoe race will be held at 2 p.m. There will also be another youth video dance at 8 p.m. On the final day a youth prize bingo will be held at 2 p.m.

"We're just hoping to see families out. There are lots of children's events," said Landry.

Although there have been video dances at Mackenzie Days before for adults, Landry said this will be the first time they've been held for youth.

This will be the third Mackenzie Days festival that the committee of Landry, Alphonsine Gargan, Hilda Sabourin and Sam Gargan have organized. The festival itself has been held for over 30 years, said Landry.

Each year the same events prove to be the main attractions.

At the top of the list are the canoe races.

While only some people feel the urge to get on the river and paddle, many community members line the banks to watch the races.

"That's always something they look forward to every year," she said.

Although the racers are usually from Fort Providence out of town participants are encouraged to join.

"Last year we were pleased with the few people who came from out of town to participate in the men's canoe race," said Landry

This year there will be two heats for each category with one race held on Saturday and the next at the same times on Sunday. Men will race at 10 a.m. followed by the women at 12 p.m. and the youth at 2 p.m.

First place in the men and women's categories is $1,500 followed by $1,200 for second and $900 for third. Youth have a chance at $300, $250 and $200 for the three places.

Another popular event for players and spectators alike is the handgames tournament.

"We're hoping to expect lots of out of town teams for the handgames," said Landry.

A number of teams have already signed up for the event that is scheduled to start on Friday at 5 p.m.

Other activities that draw in the out of town crowds include the youth and adult talent shows, Landry said. The streets are also always lined with people for the community parade.

This year the parade will start at noon on Friday. The whole of Friday has been declared a civic holiday, an increase from the normal half day.

Other events organized for the five days include a crib tournament, a $25,000 bingo, an adult dance with bands North Country Rock and Johnny Landry and an adult talent show.