Yellowknife (Mar 25/05) - Large, white geodesic domes now blend into the mounds of snow surrounding Frame Lake -- the presence of which can mean only one thing.

It is now officially Caribou season.

Caribou Carnival season, that is, and being the 50th anniversary of the Yellowknife festival, organizers are busy preparing for the crowd they hope will descend on the site this weekend.

Peter Babij, foreman for Raven Tours/Aurora World Corp., says his workers are building four geodesic domes for the carnival.

While the Caribou grounds are in fine form this week, so, too, are the expectations of many Yellowknifers.

One of those looking forward to this weekend events is Taryn Williams, 10.

She said she enjoyed the bowling at previous carnivals and anticipates she will participate in many of the games.

"They also had aboriginal games, which is pretty cool," she said.

Williams also looks forward to the treats.

"I like the caramel on a stick with snow.

"And I might enter my dog in the high jumping contest," she said of her Jack Russell terrier.

Her brother Andrew also looks forward to the activity-filled weekend, and especially the sweet treats.

"I like the maple syrup," he said.

Brian MacKenzie can't wait for the event.

"I party," he said.

Friends Chris Mikus and Kelly Betsina will not be missing any of the action, either.

"I like the races, the dogsled and Ski-Doo races,"

"And I like that maple syrup.

"I've gone lots of years. I think it will be a great time if they make it bigger," he said.

For Kelly Betsina, it will be the Ski-Doo races and the hot chocolate that will hold the most appeal.

"I like the races and also the tents."

The carnival begins today and finishes up on Sunday.

The grand fireworks display is scheduled for tonight at 9 p.m., weather permitting.