The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is the place to be this February. That’s where the majority of events are taking place for the 2020 Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous (YSR). The most famous, or at least the most notorious, of the outdoor activities is the Mad(am) Trapper competition.
“The Mad(am) Trapper competition is comprised of four different events this year, and is meant to test both your physical and mental skills,” said Ron de Avila, vice-president of the YSR board and organizer of this year’s competition.
Events include a swede saw, log toss, chainsaw chuck and axes throw, all of which take place on Feb. 22. The event, open to men and women, ages 18 and up, has a $60 registration fee. Gold nuggets are given to those who place in the top three.
“It’s a great way to show off your crazy outdoor skills and have a ton of fun,” said de Avila. “The costumes, the personalities, the events bring out the best in the Yukon, and to see the veterans showing the newcomers the best way to compete in the event, it really does embody the spirit of the Yukon.”
For those who aren’t quite big enough to toss an axe (yet), there’s KIDSFEST! Programming aims to satisfy kids from toddler-age up to 12-year-olds, with a separate youth zone for those 10 to 18. KIDSFEST! takes place from Feb. 21 to 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It includes a mini log toss, parent pull, flower packing, programming from the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a mini tug of war, a clown and a family barbeque.
The Colour War is a separate event that invites participants of all ages, though organizers caution it might be a bit intense for very young children.
“The Colour War is the craziest, most colourful few minutes of Rendezvous,” said coordinator Jenna Paton. “It’s an event you do not want to show up late to because it happens fast and is over before you know it! You also want to wear things you’re ok with getting a bit messy and colourful!”
During the war, boxes containing pigment-filled envelopes are set up. There’s a countdown and then a free-for-all, during which participants grab their envelopes, crack them open and start throwing the colour around. By the time the last envelope is emptied, everyone is covered in rainbow powder.
This event takes place Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m. on the CKRW snowpad beside Lumel Studios. No registration is required. Visit YukonRendezvous.com for more information on all these events.
