Yellowknife (Feb 06/04) - Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the ice, it's back.

Caribou Carnival celebrates its 49th year, March 24 to 28, and all your favourite events are back, including the Ugly Dog and truck contest, Snowsculpting, fireworks, Caribou Capers and Quest for the Crown.

Though it's still only early February, the Carnival's team of three coordinators (Lisa Tesar, James Pugsley and Carol Van Tighem) are working full steam ahead.

"We're at mach two with our hair on fire," said Van Tighem, who is managing Caribou Capers and the Quest for the Crown.

As of press time, about six people had signed up for the Quest for the Crown, a competition to sell the most raffle tickets. Van Tighem said 50,000 raffle tickets have been printed.

"It's the most important crown in town," said Van Tighem.

And it's been redesigned for 2004. The new crown, which is still being made, will involve fur, diamonds and, of course, antler.

"It's very wild," said Van Tighem.

The average successful crown candidate in the past has raised $5,000 to $10,000. The most money ever raised by one person was $13,000.

A popularity contest

The Quest for the Crown has inspired strong emotions in the past. In 2001, the crowning of two queens led to controversy that made national news and Van Tighem said the crown is still highly coveted.

"It's almost viewed as being a popularity contest," she said.

"It's short of being a beauty contest because there are men involved. But because it's been around so long, you're a piece of Yellowknife history when you become king or queen, or prince or princess."

Candidates for caribou prince or princess have to be between the ages of six and 18. Adults 19 and over can qualify for king or queen.

This year there will be an orientation session for the candidates on Sunday, Feb. 15, just after the application deadline of Thursday, Feb. 12.

Former caribou queens will attend to give advice and otherwise "mentor" the quest participants.

New this year is a plan to have charts of the candidates' progress posted in a shop window in Centre Square Mall.

There will also be a "milestone" program to reward candidates with prizes for every $1,000 they raise. The king or queen and the prince or princess will be crowned the evening of March 25 during the Caribou Capers variety show at NACC.