Ramble & Ride returned for its 19th year this weekend, filling Yellowknife’s Old Town with lively performances, new vendors and community spirit.
The event, held from August 1-3, drew a large crowd on Saturday as temperatures reached 30C.
Festival coordinator Amber O’Reilly said organizers aimed to expand children’s programming this year, adding more entertainers, face painting, crafts, bouncy castles, hula hoops and a bike parade.
Seven-year-old Sam McCreesh designed the 2025 event’s T-shirts, available in beige and blue.
“We’re very proud to have all local performers this year,” said O’Reilly, who in previous years was involved as a performer and volunteer. “This year definitely I am being involved on a whole new level. It’s been a blast.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
O’Reilly said more than 150 people attended Friday’s kick-off concert at Down to Earth Gallery. For the first time, the festival partnered with BACupNorth – the Black Advocacy Coalition in the NWT – to hold Emancipation Day celebrations at Hank Koenen Park on Back Bay.
Linda Bussey, Rob Wilkinson, Meaghan Brackenbury, Carly McFadden and Chantal Desjardins also served as Ramble & Ride coordinators. Nearly 50 volunteers helped make this year’s event a success.
The team behind Ramz’s Kitchen. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Rosie Kacey at her popsicle stand. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Christopher McMillan painted a mural over the weekend, a permanent addition to McDonald Drive. He said he had creative freedom and chose the wolf because he likes them. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
A scene from the Emancipation Day foam party at Hank Koenen Park. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Diane Boudreau prepares for her painting workshop. This year, children worked on two tree cutouts, with the artwork’s final location still to be decided. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
A busy staff member at Oishii Ramen. The business does not have a physical shop in Yellowknife but participates in local festivals. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Festival coordinator Amber O’Reilly. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Wayne Guy had nearly 60 gallons of paint to sell at his personal garage sale. Guy Architects, his company, also partnered with the Co-op to raise funds for the city’s women’s centre. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
The kids’ zone. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Alex Ketchum, left, during a performance. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Decorative bikes from a parade on Latham Island. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Nancy Vail and her artwork. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Attendees waiting to board a floatplane. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Brian McShane, a volunteer with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Central & Arctic Region for 16 years, said this was their second festival appearance to educate the public about boating safety. With 48 volunteers this year and 16 turned away, he called it a good problem to have. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Campbell Rivera playing on a bouncy castle. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
Helna Poruthur performs Bharatanatyam, a kind of Indian classical dance. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
A sculpture at the festival. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio
