Inuvik (Dec 19/03) - It may be a little early to shine up your dancing shoes but plans are underway for Inuvik to host a music festival at the end of the summer.

Mayor Peter Clarkson says he has already had a few meetings with interested people willing to bring a festival of this nature to fruition.

Though the event is in its pre-planning phase, Clarkson promises something for everyone.

"There will be music workshops, a fiddling contest and a children's stage for the little ones," he said.

Scheduled to take place the last weekend of August (27-29), the festival will simply be called The End of the Road Music Festival and will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Dempster Highway.

And as with any great music festival, Inuvik's will hold two big concerts -- Friday and Saturday evening -- and Clarkson says the feelers are out to attract some big names in the music business.

"And, of course we want to get the local musicians in town involved, as well."

As for funding, Clarkson says that the town has approached Education, Culture and Employment for some funding to hire a co-ordinator.

Budding songwriters out there may want to take note as there will be a songwriting competition for those who think they can pen the best ditty about the Dempster.

Festival committee member, Terry Halifax, calls the event huge for the town adding that it will be a great way to end the summer.

"It's planned for the time of year when there isn't a lot going on," he said. "Plus, I think there's a big need for this type of event as music is not really represented at the arts festival."