Four months from the Carnival's opening date, all four seats for volunteer board members are still empty.

And last year's Carnival president, Bernie Bauhaus, said he's too busy to fill the spot again this year.

That leaves openings for a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary.

Carnival 2003 is scheduled for March 21 to 23. The event, held on a huge cleared area of Frame Lake, is Yellowknife's signature winter event, highlighted by the city's annual dog race.

The board of directors should have been filled by October, said Bauhaus, who said interested people should contact him.

"We're looking for someone that's been involved in Carnival or understands what Carnival is about, has been in Yellowknife for a while and has some experience with not-for-profit organizations," he said.

"We're looking for someone that wants to do it this year and wants to carry it on for a year or two or three so there's some continuity."

New board members won't be operating in a vacuum, said Bauhaus, who added that Carnival bank accounts show a five-figure balance, which has accrued over the past few years.

The event has an annual budget of about $130,000, plus over $100,000 in donations.

Organizers have already come forward for the Quest for the Crown, the ugly truck and dog contest, the road hockey tournament, Dene hand games and Carnival fireworks.

In addition, the Carnival has already selected a general co-ordinator, who streamlines event preparation in the month leading up to Carnival.

Time commitment for board members is about two or three hours per week in meetings, plus another few hours making phone calls and writing letters to petition donors and participants.

And the benefits?

"Just contributing to community spirit and being active in the community," said Bauhaus. "And keeping the tradition alive."