Laughing contest and moose calling draws crowds

Page 6

Community

From the bingo and dance Friday night to the final awards presentation Sunday evening, the second annual Cold Lake First Nations Winter Carnival was entertaining and fun.

There were two nights of dancing, hours of talent show, numerous outdoor races and a fancy harness parade on Sunday.

It provided giggles and chuckles in the laughing contest, a hunting lesson in the moose calling and a believe-it-or-not section with the tall tales category.

Sunday afternoon opened with the much anticipated fancy harness parade. Before the event crowds lined the parade route and gathered outside the community complex where the teams were to be judged.

In the distance the first team could be seen and the far-off sound of bells grew gradually louder. The pulling horses praced and nodded.

Parade organizer Sam Minoose was happy with the entry and spectator turnout. "The event is a way to keep the tradition alive."

How the driver handled the horses, the appearance of the rigging and overall team management were all criteria in the contest. Cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 went to the top three winners in each category.

First place heavy horse winner was a local team owned by George Noel, who participates to support the event and not for the cash prize.

"It's not the idea of making a whole bunch of money," said Noel. "We all enjoy doing something for a hobby and this is mine."

As a member of the Cold Lake band council, Noel says they want to make fancy harness an annual event. "We'd like to promote this sort of thing, this is my way of participating."

The talent show which started Saturday before Sunday's parade, attracted the biggest crowds. Saturday's turnout was good and Sunday proved to be even better, with standing room only in the large hall on the Cold Lake reserve. Spectators and participants lined the walls and small children huddled near and around the stage.

The competitions were divided up into events and categories like male and female vocals, mixed duets, a number of group dancing competitions and individual jigging. All events had a senior and junior division.