YKQT 05 – Caribou Carnival

Yk Quick Tips is your guide to Yellowknife, NT. Whether you are moving to the city or just visiting, we can offer information about all the best things. The show will contain information about what to do while visiting, things to know about moving to the City and everything else interesting about Yellowknife.

This week is all about a 55-year-old celebration we call Caribou Carnival

Caribou Carnival has been around since 1955. It originally started as a gathering of trappers at the end of the season. Over the years the carnival turned into a celebration of spring. The carnival progressed from being down on Yellowknife Bay, on to Frame Lake and most recently in the Civic Plaza beside city hall

The event, which takes place over 3 days, starting at noon on a Friday and going until Sunday, normally has something for everyone. Up until 2007 the event, which was on Frame Lake at the time, had many tents and stages, where exhibitors setup with games and goodies. A common attraction was always the Snow Stage where many games, like log sawing, tent building and tea boiling took place. The infamous Sugar Shack is also a big attraction for the event, and holds a sweet spot in everyone’s heart.

During the same weekend as the carnival and working with the carnival is the Diavik 150 Dog Derby. It also started in 1955 along with the carnival. The 150 mile race expands over the 3 days starting each day at 1pm. The race would take dog racers, from around the north, from Frame Lake, down on to back Bay of Great Slave Lake, out to Dettah and then back. The musher with the fastest combined time would win.

Unfortunately Caribou Carnival has had a rough go the past 4 years. The event slowly withered down, and lost interest for many. During the 2008 year, the carnival nearly vanished due to Arctic Winter Games being in town at the same time. Luckily 2010 brought hope. With a new president, VP and board, the 2010 Carnival took a different approach which was a success. The carnival that once was, will be again.

Learn all this and more in episode 5 of Yellowknife Quick Tips. Remember, if you have a question you need answered or an idea for a tip, send them in to info@ykonline.ca