Message from our Executive Director- Tiffany Duncan

Being a Yukoner means that at some point in your history in the north you have at very least brushed shoulders with what has arguably become the premier winter festival in the north – the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival. It’s likely a good thing that you have, as we all know, the Festival has become a staple in most of our lives and serves as the only legal cure for cabin fever! It is fair to say that I have more than brushed shoulders with Rendezvous, and with each year my experience has changed. I can remember getting up early anticipating the lines at the pancake breakfast, and I can remember staying out late and sleeping through the pancake breakfast!

The wonderful thing about the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival is that it is intimate enough that all Yukoners have their own unique memories and connection to the Festival. I have always loved the flour packing and the one dog pull. What’s even better about this Festival is that it connects the generations, it is truly amazing to look back through old programs and read the stories of the dogs and their handlers that took part in the festival 30 and 40 years ago. If you sit down with any old time Yukoner, Rendezvous is an immediate common ground.

Over the next five years the Society will be building towards our 50^th Anniversary honouring different aspects of the Yukon’s history, natural beauty, arts, culture and heritage. This year, it is my absolute pleasure to work with the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society to bring the 46^th Annual Rendezvous Festival to you. This year’s Festival focuses on the LEGENDS OF THE KLONDIKE. We want to hear about your local legends in your own words. We will be featuring stories of the Legends of the Klondike throughout the festival including on the festival grounds and in our annual program.

The Yukon has a rich history and I am excited to showcase our heritage, the colourful and heroic legends alike. If I don’t meet you sooner I’ll see you in February – I’ll be the one in a Parka!

- Tiffany Duncan