Revellers in Dawson City turned out to ring in the spring during the Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival over the past weekend.
Select venues around the historic gold rush town were bumping during the carnival from March 15 to 17.
Part of a still-frozen gravel road downtown was fenced off for a street hockey tournament outside the Westminster Hotel. Inside the Pit, the hotel’s bar, racers pedalled around one by one on a small tricycle on March 16.
Human curling, baby racing and speed sledding were among the many activities held at the city’s Minto Park on March 16.
Dawson City Mayor Bill Kendrick served up pancakes during breakfast at the curling rink.
Lane Tredger, Yukon NDP MLA for Whitehorse Centre, moseyed around town with a wagon carrying coffee and hot chocolate to share with folks.
The News also witnessed teamwork to get an RCMP truck unstuck from deep snow on the fringe of the Minto Park field. The police vehicle became stuck while getting into position so that its radar gun could be used to judge the speed sledding competition.
“It’s been great to get together as a community and to celebrate the coming of spring and summer and the warmth from the sun,” first-time attendee Eric Labrecque told the News at Minto Park.
Labrecque, of Whitehorse, went into the weekend rocking a rhinoceros onesie as part of a onesie-outfitted crew of friends.
He didn’t go into it planning to win any events.
“I was surprised to win the snow skipping,” Labrecque said while wearing a first-place ribbon.
That win brought out his competitive nature.
After winning the top spot, his goal became to place first, second and third in different events.
Results from the tobogganing race and can-crushing contest were still rolling in when Labrecque spoke with the News.
“It’s my first Thaw di Gras, though, so it’s great to be able to embrace it with everyone,” he said.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com