Once again, I arrived just in time for the sun to return after a month. Yesterday (Sunday, January 6) was the first day that the sun came over the horizon. Unfortunately, it was overcast, so we didn't see much sunlight, but it will be coming back fast. Today it was up for an hour.
Inuvik celebrates the annual "sunrise festival" with a number of activities, including:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
6PM-9PM A Taste of Inuvik MSC Community Hall
Come and enjoy a plate or two of food prepared by local restaurants and chefs in Inuvik. $5/plate
9PM-12AM Old Time Dance MSC Community Hall
Jig the sun back to Inuvik with a traditional ‘Old Time Dance’ featuring James Rogers and the Delta Good Time Band
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
10AM-2PM The Sunrise Community Pancake Breakfast Royal Canadian Legion
Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Town of Inuvik, please come on out and fill up on the sunniest eggs, the fluffiest pancakes and yummiest bacon ‘n’ sausages this side of the sun!
12PM Snowmobile Parade to Jim Koe Park Gathering Point: Inuvik Boat Launch
Rev up your decorated snowmobiles and join in the full-throttle parade through the streets of Inuvik to Jim Koe Park! Prizes for best decorated machine!
12PM-4PM Sunrise Snow Park Jim Koe Park
Bundle up the kids and bring them down to our Snow Park activity day in Jim Koe Park. Sliding hills, games, snowcarving competition, heated tents, big fire and concession foods!
6PM-7PM The Sunrise Bonfire Roads End Golf Course
Come out to the REALLY big fire down by the golf course. Concession foods and drinks and a great social atmosphere.
7PM The Return of the Sun Fireworks Finale Roads End Golf Course
Come help the Inuvik Volunteer Fire Fighters celebrate the return of the sun with our annual fireworks extravaganza!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11
730PM The Lights with Jay Gilday Community Concert Igloo Church
Presented by CBC Music and Canadian North, Juno-award winner and music superstar Lights will be performing with Yellowknife’s Jay Gilday. Donations to the Food Bank and Children’s First accepted at the door.
I didn't make it to the bonfire this year (see last year's blog about this) but I did see the fireworks on my walk home. According to the news, it was a good event. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2013/01/06/north-inuvik-sunrise-festival.html