INUVIK - Erin Simon said she's getting a lot of support from family and friends in her bid to be queen of this year's Muskrat Jamboree festival.

Simon, 29, said she wants to be queen for the 50th anniversary of the annual jamboree.

Erin Simon is the first woman to put her name forward for the Muskrat Jamboree Queen competition, which will be decided this April. She has already started fundraising with luncheons and bake sales. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"The 50th anniversary is a big year," said Simon.

"I got the idea from Esther McLeod, who was jamboree queen 50 years ago."

Normally, a queen and king are crowned into the Muskrat Jamboree monarchy.

To commemorate the 50th festival, only a queen will be declared this year, as only a queen was crowned in the original festival. Claudine Kisoun, one of the organizers for this year's event, said Simon's bid is a little early.

"But this is a big year and everything is coming together a little earlier," said Kisoun.

Kisoun said the monarchy of the winter festival is chosen through fundraising and the person who raises the most money is chosen as queen.

Simon said her fundraising drive has already started and will continue until the jamboree in April.

"We have luncheons at the IRC building on Fridays this month," said Simon.

The lunchtime events will feature traditional foods cooked by Simon and her mother, who has been a big help so far.

The idea came from her friends, via e-mail and the Bebo messaging Web page.

"I got lots of messages about how to raise money and what to do on the street," said Simon. "A lot of the messages came through my Bebo page."

Along with the luncheons, Simon said she is planning a Valentine's Day lunch and the regular 50-50 draws as well.

"I am also planning a kiddie carnival, which should be fun," said Simon.

The jamboree is always a big event and Simon said she is looking forward to this year.

"The Muskrat Jamboree is important because so many people are involved in the planning every year," she said.

"It's always good to see people from the other communities as well."

Kisoun said raising money for the contest has regulations that each queen hopeful must adhere to.

"You can't hold bingos," she said. "No money can come from alcohol-related events, like wet dances. You also need your own lottery licence."