Yellowknife (Apr 29/05) - Things are getting soggy and that can only mean one thing: it's time for the Gumboot Rally.

The annual fundraiser for the Yellowknife Association for Community Living happens next Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. in the Yk 1 parking lot, at the corner of 53 Street and Franklin.

The event began 13 years ago when a skiing fundraiser had to be cancelled due to spring thaw.

Individuals raise money through pledges and their teams compete in various Gumboot-themed events, such as throwing small gumboots into large gumboots, the skinny ankle contest, and gumboot bowling.

But the prize certainly isn't silly: a trip for two anywhere Canadian North flies for the person who raises the most money. Janet Diveky of the Yellowknife Association for Community Living said coming up with a silly name for your team is also part of the fun.

"We already have one team called the Bumboots and another named the Gumboobs," she said.

The association, based in the Abe Miller Centre, helps people with intellectual disabilities be included in community life. Last year's event raised $16,000 for job coaches for the Abe Miller summer cafe.

New NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford will emcee and musical entertainment will be provided by who else but The Gumboots.

It's not too late to enter as a team or to help run the gumboot challenges.

Call 920-2644 to volunteer.