Large crowds and smiling faces were everywhere to be seen in Baker Lake from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, as the community hosted its annual Festival by the Lake celebration.
The 2025 festival is being hailed by some as one of the best annual festivals ever in the community.
This year's gathering was particularly strong in the performers category, with many festival-goers singing the praises of the on-stage talents.
Community wellness co-ordinator Karen Yip said this year the community celebrated the Grade 12 graduates from Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School as part of the festival.
She said the festival's entertainers and attractions included Aavsia, Agaaqtoq, Angotitok Band, Mr. Circus, Rosalie Pissuk, Rosalie (Glitterbug) Lazar, Jacob Okatsiak, Casey's Square Dance Band, bouncy slides and obstacle courses, carnival games, prizes, Agnico Eagle Mines lunch, a community feast, barbecue and Beefaroni, face painting and tattoos, balloon twisting, a jigging contest, drum dancing, throat singing and two parades, including a long end-of-festival parade.
"The hamlet would also like to thank our sponsors and individuals who helped to make this event possible," said Yip. "They included AEM, Calm Air, Nunamiut Lodge, the Department of Justice, Arctic Fuel Services, the Junior Canadian Rangers, Canadian North, Northern 120, TSA — Music for the Future, the grad committee, Mayor James Taipana, Jimmy Qaqqaq and more. Thank you for your generous contributions.
"We've had so many good festivals over the years, but, after a little thought, this Festival by the Lake was one of the best. It was a fun weekend," Yip added.
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