The Gateway Jamboree in Enterprise marks its 25th year of family fun this weekend, but another more sombre anniversary will be on minds as well.
Just hours after last year’s Jamboree finished, winds pushed a raging wildfire that had been moving away from the community right towards Enterprise, and the nearby Kátł’odeeche First Nation and the regional centre of Hay River.
The wildfires destroyed most of the buildings in the hamlet and many of the 100 residents were displaced – some to this day.
So, the three days at the Enterprise ball diamond will be a time for everyone to renew acquaintances and enjoy music, food, games and crafts.
Beginning today at 6:45 p.m., adults can enjoy a beer garden with headline performer Duane Steele, a national recording star from Hines Creek, Alberta. Perennial Jamboree performers Shane Daniels and The Usual Suspects will open the show.
There are 23 other acts listed as performing over the weekend.
Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday, with a kids’ tent with crafts, carnival games, face painting, three-legged and potato sack races, mini golf, basketball toss and inflatable games.
There will be outside and under tent seating, with chairs provided.
Sunday morning features with a free breakfast, followed by gospel music and a service at 9:30 a.m., sponsored by the Hay River Ministerial Group.
Enterprise’s motel was razed in the wildfire and there are few vacancies left in Hay River’s various lodgings. Camping is available on the Jamboree site or at an NWT Park a moderate distance away.
