NDMNRF introduced new pandemic adaptive events for Blueberry Festival 

Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer 

Adapting to the changing circumstances of the pandemic, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) has introduced two new Blueberry Festival events since last year, the Kids Colouring Contest and Family Scavenger Hunt. 

NDMNRF’s Resource Liaison Specialist, Natalie Popovic, shared, “We hosted a kids colouring contest for the first time last year when COVID-19 forced most festival events to go online.” She added about the Family Scavenger Hunt, “This year we really wanted to get anyone including families and newcomers to town out exploring our area with the scavenger hunt. This is a new event for us.” 

The winner for the colouring contest for ages six and under was Malenah, and the winner for the second category was Anna M. The McCord’s family was awarded the top score prize pack for the family scavenger hunt, shared Popovic. Participation prizes were awarded to: Kendall, AJ, Mack, Lizzie, Cassey, and Archer (George-Egerter), she added. 

Printed sheets were available for the Kids Colouring Contest at NDMNRF’s office, or were emailed upon request, and the organization’s office staff shared their votes on entries for two age groups: six-years-old and under, and between the ages of seven and 12 years. 

Participants for the Family Scavenger Hunt received a list of tasks that were to be completed during the full festival week. There were points associated with each task in three different categories: online, Around town and Out about. “We were hoping to have as many people as possible participate so we were sure to include activities that could be done right from home, without transportation or for people who were already active and out and about,” shared Popovic. Approximately 25 participants attended each event, she added.