After a devastating year for Enterprise, N.W.T., a successful Gateway Jamboree - Action News
Home WebMail Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 05:11 AM | Calgary | 0.6°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
NorthPhotos

After a devastating year for Enterprise, N.W.T., a successful Gateway Jamboree

Around 1,000 people attended the Gateway Jamboree in Enterprise, N.W.T. this weekend enjoying live music, food, drinks, and connecting with friends and neighbors.

Around 1,000 people attended the annual music festival

Person enters fenced off area, entrance decorated with balloons and sign
People enter the jamboree grounds in Enterprise, N.W.T. on June 10, 2024. (Natalie Pressman/CBC)

When Gateway Jamboree organizer Evellyn Coleman started planning this year's event in Enterprise, N.W.T., she still wasn't sure if it was going to happen.

Just under a year ago, residents were forced to evacuate Enterprise when a devastating wildfire tore through the community. The fire destroyed about 90 per cent of the structures in the community in less than 48 hours, and most residents have still not returned to the hamlet.

But in the end, Coleman said, the hamletcouncil decided to go forward with the annual music festival hoping it would be a good opportunity for residents to have fun and connect with family and friends.

Colemanis glad they did.

In the blurry foreground, the back of a man's head. In the focused background, a man playing guitar on a stage.
There were musical performances all throughout the jamboree. (Liny Lamberink/CBC)
Three women in safety vests give out tickets at a booth
Volunteers manned the till and gave out tickets on Saturday. (Natalie Pressman/CBC)

The two-day festival started on Friday, and ended lateSaturday. Around 1,000 people from all over the territory attended, Colemansaid, asimilar turnout topreviousyears. Many of the same music actswho performed in past years were also there.

"It's been a long five years for a lot of people, between COVID, floods, fires," she said.

"I think people are just appreciative when they can come together and just visit, listen to some good music, have a good meal, laugh together, cry together."

A kid plays mini golf.
A child plays a quick round of mini putt at the festival on Saturday evening. (Liny Lamberink/CBC)
Bouncy castles with kids walking to them
Kids at the Gateway Jamboree were excited to see lots of games and bouncy castles. (Natalie Pressman/CBC)

Coleman said that on Saturday eveninga few Enterprise residents left the event early, when smoky conditions triggered memories of last summer.Overall though, she saidit was a lighthearted, relaxed event.

"The grounds were full, music was playing, kids were having fun in the kids tent," she said. "It was wonderful."

Two kids in big straw hats stand behind professional looking lemonade stand
Jaxin and Kenzie Porter, aged 11 and 7, stayed sun-safe while running a lemonade stand at the event. (Natalie Pressman/CBC)

With files from Natalie Pressman