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ConclusionThroughout it's history the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival has provided a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to celebrate northern culture and the trapping lifestyle of Canada's wildlands. Many of the events described herein still take place at our modern-day Festival. For an authentic and exciting northern experience, visitors are welcome to attend the Festival - held each February during the third week of the month. The Festival always attracts enthusiastic contestants to compete in the many contests including the legendary King and Queen Trapper competitions. As always, the beautiful Fur Queen contestants enhance many of the activities, and carry out important fundraising for the sled dog race prize money.
Of course, many visit The Pas to see the main attraction of the Festival - The World Championship Sled Dog Race. Mushers, their families and supporters come from near and far to participate in this exciting and historic race. The race route is designed so that spectators can follow the action from several local roadways. The overall winner is determined at the end of the day on the third day of racing. After the races are finished everyone can participate in the 'rendezvous' for refreshments, dancing and frivolity.
The rendezvous socials and musical stage shows provide good times for all, bringing visitors and locals together to give the winter season a proper Hurrah! before the arrival of spring. With activities for adults, kids and seniors, our long-running Festival has fun for the entire family! There is something for everyone to enjoy! So next winter, bundle up and join us in February as we hold another Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival - the longest running winter festival in western Canada!
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AcknowledgementsOn behalf of the Sam Waller Museum Board and Staff we would like to thank the following people for their assistance with the development of 'Speed, Brawn & Beauty: The History of the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival':
Larry & Margaret Commodore, Kimberly Commodore, Linda McFarland, Vaughn Wadelius, Joe Bochsler, Frank Fieber, Mrs. Evelyn Jebb, Rodney Forbes, Lee Martin, Greg East, John St. Godard, Opasquia Times, Geoff & Rose Smith, Edwin Jebb, William Otchenash, Keith Hyde, William Kaplanchuk, Jack & Hazel Hyde, Ed Johanson, Nancy Shewchuk, Ahab Constant, Pam Gagnon, Sonny Lavallee, Johanna Williamson, Wendy Chief, Willard Holmen, Harold and Phyllis Kowalchuk, Catherine Hembroff, Mr. Ted Chartrand, Walter Krivda, May Reader, Clem Jones, Marion Cox, Johanna McLauchlan, Mary Ilchyshyn, Jock McAree, Olga Baschak, Joyce Clark, Donny Poulin, Martin Koshowski, Shauna Ponask, Paulette Aamot, Sue Lambert and John Coulson.
We would also like to thank the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport for the support of our third year oral history project . Much of the information used throughout this exhibit was gleaned from that project.
The Sam Waller Museum Board are Michael Wyman, Board Chair, David Raitt, Vice Chair, Ken Gurba, Selvin Peter, Bev MacTavish, Faye Kobelka, Robin Reader and Catherine Hembroff. The Sam Waller Museum Staff are Ron Scott - Director; Sharain Jones - Curator; Kerri Nutbrown, Hilary Bate and Chelsea Feely - Weekend Hosts; Stacy Ponask, Holly LaJambe, and Kathryn Lauvstad - Summer Students.
Without the support of the local community, this project would not have been possible. For more information about the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival check out their website at www.trappersfestival.com .
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