Life is slowly coming back to normal in the Beaufort Delta, with Inuvik's Muskrat Jamboree committee announcing an April 9-12 weekend for the much-loved festival.
“The Inuvik Muskrat Jamboree is an important cornerstone event for our community and the entire Mackenzie Delta,” states Muskrat Jamboree Board Chair Greta Sittichinli. "For over 60 years our volunteer Board of Directors, organizing committee and our network of dedicated volunteers, have been coming together annually to provide our community with four days of activities, events, competitions, music, and dance.”
Photo courtesy Inuvik Muskrat Jamboree.
Modified for Covid-19 safety, the 63rd Inuvik Muskrat Jamboree will host a live jigging contest at Ingamo Hall April 9, which will be broadcast online, as well as a TV Bingo the following night. Community games will be held throughout the day on April 10, with egg and spoon races, foot races and log sawing contests starting at 1 p.m. The afternoon fun will continue with nail driving contests and open cross country races kicking off at 3 p.m, followed by 500/600 cross country races at 6 p.m.
Prizes for the cross country races top out at $2,000 for first place in the men's open, with $1,500 for the winner of the women's open. The 500/600 races have a top prize of $600.
Further contests will be held on Sunday, with Harpoon throws and egg tosses beginning at 1 p.m. Snow show races will commence at 2 p.m. and the children's skidoo races will start at 3 p.m. The Women's Open Class 75 mile track race will start at 5 p.m. and a live talent show will be hosted at Ingamo Hall for contestants 16 years of age or older, with top prizes for the best fiddlers and singers.
On Monday, April 12, the festival will continue with the third annual Open Dog race starting at 1 p.m., as well as contests including dizzy stick, tea boiling and muskrat skinning. The men's open class 100 mile track race will kick off at 5 p.m.
The King and Queens of last year, Brian and Carmen Wade, will continue their reign over the ceremonies this year, after a record fundraising drive of $70,130. In total, fundraisers collected $114,764.10 for the festival.
Face coverings will be required at all events. The organizing posters note that bandannas, scarves and clothes are permissible.