Once again NWOPA participated in the annual Children's Festival held in June at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The children enjoyed three days of glorious weather with a variety of events and activities for them to participate in. However, the gold panning and claim staking activities put on by the prospectors were the favourite as judged by the feedback from the kids and parents.

As the children arrived to pan for gold they were told they had to first stake a claim to ensure ownership of their potential discovery. So off they went to claim post No.1. Here they were given a claim form with a set of clues for each corner post. As they proceeded around the claim, they solved the riddle and went to the Mining Recorder to record their claim and receive a nice tumbled piece of amethyst. Now they were ready to pan and pan they did very successfully. The success rate was over 95% and some big nuggets sure brought out the "ohhhhhhs" and "ahhhhhs". Their parents were hard pressed to tear the prospectors away and many returned later in the day or on Saturday. Over 500 prospectors went away happy with a piece of amethyst, some gold and an understanding of the mining industry. Also, a lot of parents were found intently gazing into the gold pans as the lure of gold captured their interest also.

The event was a big hit because of the volunteers that contributed so much of their time. The Mining Recorder was Dan Calvert--thanks Dan for three days of volunteering. Others who helped with setup, daily activities and tear down were Rod Davidson, Chris Bishop and Bob Chataway. Chris Bever built the panning tables which were the hit of the display--many thanks to Chris. Others who helped were John Halet, Mark O'Brien, Seonaid Gerow (MNDM Student), Barb D'Silva and our three student volunteers--Erica Bishop (2 days), Michelle Bever and Danna Fuller (1 day each). Honourable mention to the veteran prospector Bill--for coming out with Dan one day--and Norma Chataway for the baking goodies.

I would also like to thank the following for contributing to the success of NWOPA prospector's camp: Lac des Iles Mine for supplying the gold nuggets and flecks and Accurassay for a donation toward the purchase of the tumbled amethyst from Norm Keetch who also gave us a great deal and made many kids thrilled at solving the claim quiz.