Another successful Rendezvous festival came to a close on Feb. 26.
Shipyards Park was bustling all weekend, even as temperatures dipped near -20 C downtown. The snowpad hosted axe throwing, chainsaw chucking and log tossing to a cheering audience. Six teams took part in the snow carving exhibitions, creating fantastical and intricate sculptures of dragons, roosters embracing and icy vortexes.
In the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, a craft sale blended classic Rendezvous accoutrement with First Nations crafts and local artisans. Rows of tables displayed feather headpieces, lace garters, pottery, beadwork, moccasins and furs.
Two full days of music were also presented in the Kwanlin Dün longhouse all day on Feb. 24 and 25.
The Quest for the Crown, traditionally referred to as the Rendezvous Queen competition, didn’t happen this year, as the festival society announced last December that there weren’t enough applicants.
The Sourdough Sam Contest ran strong, however, with six candidates duking it out at the Local Bar. Samdiana Jones came out on top at the knighting on Feb. 24.
Fireworks lit up the sky with an accompanying radio soundtrack on Feb. 25, and the Rendezvous Parade floated down Main Street in the afternoon on Feb. 26.
This year’s festival was the 59th iteration. The Rendezvous Festival was introduced in 1964.
Contact Gabrielle Plonka at gabrielle.plonka@yukon-news.com