Music, food and fast machines at annual Nunavut festival

Jen Angohiatok races her Ski-doo during a women’s snowmobile race May 12, one of the more popular events at this year’s Omingmak Frolics spring festival which runs until May 16 in Cambridge Bay. (PHOTO BY DENISE LEBLEU IMAGES)

Would you call on them to repair your house? Well, maybe not, but Clarissa Koblogina and George Keyok of the Cambridge Bay Housing Association are dressed in hazmat gear, with their tools ready, May 11 for the Omingmak Frolics Corporate Challenge. (PHOTO BY ALLEN LEE)

Special to Nunatsiaq News

CAMBRIDGE BAY — The 40th edition of the Cambridge Bay Omingmak Frolics has officially kicked off and, if this year’s opening bingo is any indication, it’s going to be a banner year.

“We had 199 people come and play,” said Fred Muise, the town’s recreation coordinator. That’s no wonder: the jackpot was $10,000.

“I’d say it was a success, we raised a good amount of money to go toward the festivities,” Muise said.

The popular annual festival, which runs from May 8 to May 16 this year, will feature events from previous years as well as a few new goodies.

“The most popular events are the snowmobile races,” said Muise. “Those run from Monday to next Monday. There is lots of participation, and lots of people go to watch.”

About 100 spectators attended the first race on May 11, he said.

“I like that everyone gets together to watch all the events,” said Cambridge Bay resident Tracy Okhina. “I expect that everyone will enjoy and have fun this week and all the racers to be careful and drive safe.”

The annual spring festival also offers an opportunity for local organizations to raise money.

“It’s a great opportunity for the kids,” said Nathan Johnson, one of the coaches of the elementary school boys basketball team. “We did a BBQ on Monday and so many people came out to help support us.”

And while the snowmobile races might excite some of the adults, kids will get their own thrill this year.

Muise has managed to woo some special guests to Cambridge Bay: Splash ‘N Boots, a popular children’s musical duo featured on the Treehouse TV channel will perform two shows in town during the festival.

They’ll first perform for students Thursday, May 14, at the elementary school and then again Friday, May 15, at a show open to the public at the community hall.

While the festival involves a lot of planning and work in advance, one of the biggest jobs for the hamlet’s recreation committee remains the closing feast, which will take place May 16.

“From food, to entertainment, band, tickets, ticket sales — it takes a lot to make that event happen,” Muise said.

This year’s festival will also feature a Frolics bazaar, a number of different corporate challenge events between local businesses and government agencies, a casino week held in the curling lounge, a fishing derby, a pancake breakfast and the annual Frolics parade.

And for those who need to let loose on the dance floor, you’re in luck.

Saali & the Ravenhearts, a Montreal-based who combine English and Inuktitut lyrics in their folk and rock songs, will perform Saturday, May 16, night at Kiilinik High School. The band is led by Nunavik’s singer-songwriter Charles ‘Saali’ Keelan.

And if you’re looking to brush up on your language skills, head over to the community hall on Sunday, May 17, for an Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut scavenger hunt.

For the hunt, groups of four will search around town for such things as traffic signs featuring different languages and library books written in traditional languages.

And of course, the Omingmak Frolics would not be complete without the crowning of the King and Queen, along with the Prince and Princess.

The royal family are chosen following a number of contests throughout the week including a sash decorating challenge.

“I just want to see everybody having fun and having a good time,” said Muise. “It’s nice to see everyone out enjoying the spring weather and all the festivities.”