Mr. and Mrs. Yukon 2016 have a long history with Sourdough Rendezvous

Thirty-four years ago, Sam and Kelly Johnstonmet at a Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous dance.

This year, the couplehave been namedMr. and Mrs. Yukonas part of the annual festival.

Kelly was working at a hotel in Teslinin 1982when Sam, who waschief of the Teslin Tlingit Council at the time, asked her if she was going to a Rendezvous fundraisingdance that night.

"I said no," Kelly explained. "And he said 'OK, I'll pick you up at nine.' So it kind of started from there."

Mr. and Mrs. Yukon act as ambassadors for the Yukon, saysRon Swizdaryk with the Yukon Order of Pioneers, the group responsible forbestowing the title each year.

"We look for people who have contributed to the Yukon."

Samwas the first First Nation personto serve as a legislative speaker in Canada and was alsoa competitive archer. Swizdaryk saysKelly contributed to Yukonthrough herliteracy work.

Throughout the comingyear,Mr. andMrs. Yukon will participate in community parades and events includingthe Commissioner's Tea in Dawson City.

'Our Rendezvous was at the dog track'

For Sam, Rendezvous is a family affair. His parents, David and Rosie Johnston, were Mr. and Mrs. Yukonin 1974 and he participated in his first festival many years earlier.

"I pretty well attended all the Rendezvous," Sam said.

Sam started going to Rendezvous as a dog musher.

This year, since they aren't tied up with dog activities, the couple are taking in some of the otherRendezvous events, such as the Queen's Tea and lunch.

"Finally, in 34 years, I got to do some queen stuff," said Kelly. "Our Rendezvous was at the dog track."

Sam and Kelly will also be taking in many kids events with their 10 grandchildren.