Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 22/02) - Raven Mad Daze, Yellowknife's long-standing downtown solstice celebration will take place on June 21.

Raven Mad Daze coordinator Lisa Tesar has set up her office in space donated by Centre Square Mall. - Michele LeTourneau/NNSL photo

"Exactly on the solstice this year," says Lisa Tesar, who has taken on the job of organizing the outdoor celebration for the next five years.

"I'm looking forward to the five-year commitment," says Tesar.

"We're working closely with the association, getting advice and ideas, the format of how it works. But we'll also be implementing new ideas."

One of those new ideas is a flea market, to be located at the Yellowknife Inn parking lot.

Also, one of the mainstages will be moved near Chic Chik and Quality Furniture. Among the entertainment will be a fashion show put on by Chic Chik.

"Including merchants into the event is very important," says Tesar.

The business community has already become involved. Centre Square Mall donated a space into which Tesar has moved her office. Northwestel Cable has donated a cable internet connection.

"The storefront is great," says Tesar. "The exposure is phenomenal."

Tesar is in the office from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. She encourages people to drop by.

The event on June 21 will begin at 7 p.m., around the time Aboriginal Day festivities draw to a close.