Western Nunavut town gears up for two weeks of games and feasting

The students at both the elementary and high schools in Cambridge Bay want to wish everyone a very “Merry Christmas.” They decorated this sign to hang in the high school gym during the 2014 annual Christmas games which begin Friday night, Dec. 19. (PHOTO BY KELCEY WRIGHT)

Special to Nunatsiaq News

CAMBRIDGE BAY — If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do this Christmas break, and you happen to live in Cambridge Bay, you’re in luck.

That’s because the annual Christmas Games run from Dec.19 until Dec. 31 in that western Kitikmeot town.

“It’s always a lot of fun,” said Fred Muise, the recreation co-ordinator and main organizer of the event. “And all the activities are completely free.”

The games kick off at 6 p.m. Friday night at the Luke Novoligak Community Hall with a community feast and they wrap up on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display on the ice.

Throughout the two weeks, more than 35 different games and events will unfold at the Kiilinik High School and the arena including two talent shows with cash prizes.

Local children will also get to meet Santa and receive a gift at an Elks-sponsored meet-with-Santa event.

But kids are not the only ones eligible for prizes during the Christmas games; door prizes will be handed out around 9 p.m. each night.

“We have a Canadian North plane ticket to give as one of the door prizes,” said Muise, who has been running the Christmas games for five years. “And the second ticket that we have will go to one of the volunteers.”

This year, roughly 15 volunteers will be helping out to ensure the games run smoothly.

Irene Amagonalok has been volunteering with the Cambridge Bay Christmas games for three years and says it’s the best holiday event in town.

“[My favourite part] is seeing all the happy people,” she said. “It’s lots of fun to see all the people playing games and having a good time.”

There will be games of string and dice as well as balloon-popping games which are open to residents of all ages. The Cambridge Bay ice rink will also offer two dozen free skating time slots so families can lace up and get some exercise.

On top of the annual games, volunteers assemble and deliver Christmas hampers to five families in need. These hampers include all the food and ingredients to make a Christmas day breakfast and dinner.

Free pancake breakfasts, complete with ham, sausages and eggs, will also be offered both Sunday mornings for anyone who wakes up hungry those days.

It’s taken more than a month to plan and organize the games and their related events, Muise said.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of effort to find venues, sponsors and volunteers,” said Muise, who is still looking for volunteers for the games. “I start organizing the first week of November.”

In fact, even when the games are officially over, Muise has added several other events including three more public skate time slots and an elders’ dinner on New Year’s.

Then on Jan. 3, children under the age of 12 are invited to attend a special carnival and will have a chance to win a new Play Station 4 door prize.

Lastly, volunteers will be invited to an appreciation dinner to thank them for making the event possible.

But for now, Muise is looking forward to this year’s 2014 Christmas games launch on Friday, Dec. 19, and seeing all community members spread their Christmas cheer.

“Come on out and enjoy the festivities, connect with family and win some prizes,” said Muise. “It’s going to be a great time.”

Look for posters around town itemizing the times and locations of events. Once the games begin, a full schedule, in booklet form, will be distributed.