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North of 53° Highlights
Hudson Bay Quest (page 134) – Mar. 16 It takes a hardy breed to run with the big dogs on this rugged 320 kilometre trek. Teams of eight to 10 sled dogs race from Gillam to Churchill, hugging the boundary of Wapusk National Park in the ninth annual event, which is a qualifier for Yukon Quest and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race. Sleds are loaded with a tent and enough food to fuel a rider and dogs for at least two days. The winner takes home a $25,000 purse and every racer earns bragging rights.
p: 204-675-2381 w: www.hudsonbayquest.com
Gillam Winter Carnival and Churchill Aurora Winterfest (page 134) The carnival in Gillam, Mar. 12-18, coincides with the start of Hudson Bay Quest and Churchill welcomes racers with festivities at the finish line. Kids hitch up the family dog for mutt races during Aurora Winterfest, Mar. 17-25. King and queen trapper competitions celebrate the fur trade era, and along with aboriginal drumming and square dancing, participants can try their hand at snow sculpting or igloo building.
Gillam Winter Carnival p: 204-652-3168 w: www.townofgillam.com
Churchill Aurora Winterfest p: 204-675-2381 w: www.churchill.ca
The Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival (page 134) – Feb. 15-19 When the ice worms come to The Pas, it's party time. The oldest and largest winter festival in the north has been going strong since 1916. The jam- packed schedule features rowdy king and queen trapper competitions in events such as moose calling, axe-throwing and snowshoe racing. Dog sled races run on a town loop that lets spectators cheer on the teams. A fur queen pageant and beer festival are on the bill, and an annual scavenger hunt proves that furry ice worms really do exist.
p: 204-623-2912 w: www.trappersfestival.com
Compiled by Pat St. Germain with thanks to Charlene Grant
COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT
NOR TH O F
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