Once again it’s that time of year. — time for a local festival in Rigolet (the most southern Inuit community in the world) to celebrate Inuit culture and to get people out of the house for some fun.

The opening ceremonies on Thursday, March 16 features Drum Dancing and demonstrations of Northern Games (traditional Inuit games which build traditional skills).

The Francis Campbell Memorial Shooting Match, which will be held on the morning of Friday, March 17, at the Cove. The Cove is right off of the main road in Rigolet. 22 Rifle with and without scope are the main event. Other shooting contests are with high-power rifle with scope and a Turkey Shot with a shotgun.

Hunting is a highly valued skill and Francis Campbell was well known for his skills.

Long before snowmobiles, the Inuit travelled long distances by dog team. The Levi Pottle Memorial Dog Team Race, which celebrates the importance of the dog team, is sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The race will start at 10:00 a.m. From Portage Path on Double Mer.

Indoor games will be held at the community hall on Thursday and Friday. Outdoor games, such as a one dog race will be held on the Cove Saturday afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m.

The festival ends Saturday evening with a soup supper, awards ceremony, drum dancing, square dancing and a BYOB … a bring your own booze dance.

Love the great outdoors? Love winter?