Upcoming Events in and around Central Labrador
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WINTERLIGHTS is a celebration of winter and the holiday season that kicks off with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Santa Claus Parade. Winterlights is a program developed by the Canadian Tourism Commission to help municipalities enhance community living. In 2007, the community was the winner in its population class. In 2006, the Snobreak was awarded 5 STARS for providing activities to keep residents active. In 2005, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was recognized with the Stinson Family Award for Winter Pleasures, acknowledging the contribution of so many volunteers with the Labrador Winter Games.

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This exciting race will be held in March 2009. For more information, check out their webpage at http://www.biglandchallenge.com/

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When: March 7th - 14th, 2009

SnoBreak is a week of continuous winter activities including snowmobile races, trail rides to several surrounding communities, family games, relay races and much more! This winter festival is held each year in March in the Upper Lake Melville area of Labrador, with most activities happening in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

We encourage tourists to come and join in this fun-filled event held in Canada's newest snowmobile destination, Central Labrador. Call 896-3489 for more information. Snobreak is an annual project of the Labrador Lake Melville Tourism Association.

Snobreak was awarded 5 STARS by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

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When: March 15th 2009
Website: www.cainsquest.com
Email: cainsquestgmailcom

Cain's Quest will take participants on an incredible journey through the Labrador wilderness. The race will entail an approximate 2000 km trek on ungroomed trails where teams of two riders and their snowmachines race to the finish. Riders will travel rough terrain, brave sub-zero temperatures and test man and machine against the elements for a chance at the prize purse and of course bragging rights. In the spirit of good sportsmanship Cain's Quest expects participants to refrain from traveling the route or parts thereof prior to race day.

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This fair is organized by the Mud Lake United Church and held annually in late May or early June. Activities include games for both children and adults, a craft and bake sale and the renowned supper and auction. Challenge yourself at the target shooting, log throwing, or canoe racing competitions or simply enjoy the delicious food and beautiful local crafts. Whatever your desire, there is bound to be something to suit your tastes at this unique fair. Mud Lake is located across the Churchill River, but water taxi service is available on Fair Day.

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Each year, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay offers Canada Day Celebrations at Kinsmen Park. There is free admission for a day of live music and concessions. Contact the town for more information. Bring your sunscreen.
In addition, there is a 10k walk, ride, run being organized for Canada Day.

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When: July 2009 Broomfield Arena, HVGB

This exciting competition pits man against machine in a test of strength and endurance. The crowds will be out in full force cheering for their local favourite muscle men at this annual event.

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When: July 18-19 2009

Visit the North West River Beach Festival (annual since 1986) on the fourth weekend in July each year; a 2 day event of sun, fun and surf. The event will again take place at the beautiful River Front Park with a scenic view of Lake Melville and the Mealy Mountains. This festival offers 25+hours of non-stop live music, events for the whole family, great food, including some traditional Labrador recipes, and a wide variety of arts, crafts, and souvenirs for sale. And it's all outdoors!

For more information contact the Town of North West River at Tel: 709.497.8533
Fax: 709.497.8228 or email: managertownofnwrca

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When: August 1-3, 2009

The first weekend in August, after the Beach Festival there is another annual event since 1983: the Labrador Canoe Regatta. This 3 day event features teams from all over Labrador competing in 6 man freighter canoe races, to see who is fastest on the lake. Held 15km outside of North West River on Gosling Lake at Gosling Park, teams of 6 persons paddle replicas of traditional voyager canoes around a diamond shaped course on the lake. There are races in several age categories for both men and women. The excitement on the water is matched by the fun on shore with various events, food booths and live bands providing entertainment.

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Just like Woodstock but without the 60's, this outdoor festival is "All About The Music." Held at Kinsmen Park, the concert will include lots of Labrador musical talent from country to rock to traditional music. This event is organized by the Community Youth Network. Concessions available. More information at http://www.cledb.ca/cyn

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When: September 10-12, 2009

Join us for the annual Fall Fair. Agricultural/gardening workshops, art exhibits, live concert and storytelling. Then, start your Saturday at the Charity Pancake Breakfast at the College of the North Atlantic from 8 - 11 am. Enjoy the crafts, food, agricultural exhibits, games and live musical entertainment at the Arena starting at 9am until 4pm. Contest Prize Winners will be announced throughout the day. Information at 709-896-8506 or visit http://www.explorelabrador.nf.ca

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The Trapline Marathon is a new event that will be run in honour of the many trappers that left North West River and trekked inland to tend to their traplines throughout the region. The event promises to be festival, unique, heritage oriented, a challenging run and great scenic views of Lake Melville, Mount Shana, Gosling Lake and the forested highway Route 520.
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When: March 2010
Website: www.labradorwintergames.ca

Held every three years. As a sporting and cultural event, the Labrador Winter Games are truly unique to the province. This uniqueness is not only restricted to the diversity of the sports involved, but extends to the cultural mix and age range of the participants. The sports at the Games include traditional activities such as Dog Team Races and Northern Games, and standardized sports such as Volleyball and Table Tennis. The Games not only provide the opportunity for the distinct cultures of the region to come together and participate, but also provide the opportunity to be truly competitive with other communities. Due to the types of sports involved, it is possible for participants of all ages to successfully participate. This may mean, as has been the case in past years, the involvement of a thirteen-year old snowshoer competing against a sixty-year old snowshoer.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate our Culture, People and Traditions.

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Innu Mikun / Provincial Airlines
is the official air carrier for the Labrador Lake Melville Tourism Association.