The eighth annual Festival by the Lake will run in Baker Lake from Sept. 13-15.
Festival committee member Karen Yip said Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) will have a gold bar at the festival representing the five-millionth ounce of gold to come from the Meadowbank gold mine.
She said Agnico Eagle sponsors the majority of the festival financially as part of its community incentive program.
“They (AEM) usually host a barbecue lunch during the festival with giveaways of various sorts on the Saturday of the festival,” said Yip. “During this year's lunch, they're going to host the gold-bar viewing and probably let people take pictures and stuff like that.
“Then, after the lunch and barbecue, there's going to be a book reading and book distribution to small children between four to six years of age.”
Yip said other attractions include Mr. Circus, a circus performer who is also going to do workshops after his performance the cover band Cause For Alarm; George and Lee Mandeville of Yellowknife playing traditional Metis fiddle music; Iqaluit recording artist Aasiva, who will also be giving ukulele lessons and doing workshops with elementary and high school students; singer songwriter Jo Ellen Pameolik, of Rankin Inlet; Agaaqtoq (Abraham Eetak) of Arviat; and throat singer Margaret Akpauksuq Sharp of Rankin Inlet.
She said there's been a definite buzz in the community about the festival as the dates draw near.
“There's been people asking about the lineup and visiting an old website about the festival, so there's lots of interest. People want to know who's coming and stuff like that.
“The festival has been changing every year due to us listening to what people have to say and learning from the experience we've gained since we started. This year, we're really offering a lot of entertainment for people, both local and from out of town.
“It should really be a fun time. We're all really looking forward to getting underway.”
