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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - It's still more than a month away, but plans are already being finalized for this year's Beavertail Jamboree.

The 32nd annual jamboree will be held in Fort Simpson from March 8 to 15. For this year's lineup, organizers are planning a mix of old favourite events and returning activities that haven't been seen at the jamboree for a while.

Last year's Beavertail Jamboree royalty Nicolas dePelham, back left, Vanessa Sanguez, Ashton Corneille and Winona Cli-Letcher will soon have challengers. The quest for the crown is starting during the first week of February. - NNSL file photo

One of the returning events that was tried years ago is the beard-growing contest, said Cindy Browning, president of the Beavertail Jamboree committee.

Contestants will have to arrive at the jamboree planning meeting on Feb. 4 clean-shaven to have their photos taken. They will then have five weeks to grow as much facial hair as possible.

Also returning to the schedule are the sled dog races. The races were last held at the jamboree two years ago, coinciding with the event's 30th anniversary.

Getting sled dog teams to compete will involve advertising and having a good purse, said Jonas Antoine, who is organizing the event together with Jerry Antoine and Wilbert Antoine.

"If you show the money, we'll be there," is the message Antoine said he's heard from the racers.

Talks are underway with the organizing committee to find out what the purse will be, said Antoine.

Along with the newer events, residents will also be able to participate in the tried and true standbys, said Browning.

The jamboree will start off with a fire-feeding ceremony on March 8. Throughout the week events will include a crib tournament, a feast, the corporate challenge, a youth talent show, traditional games, Snowcross and snow drag races.

On Saturday night there will be an adult talent show and dance. Instead of holding two dances as usual, the committee is working out the logistics of holding a casino on Friday night instead, Browning said.

The jamboree committee held its first planning meeting on Jan. 21 and will continue meeting once every second week until the event starts.

"We've got lots of fresh focus on the committee this year so hopefully there will be lots of new ideas," Browning said.

Browning has been involved with the planning of the jamboree since 2000. After all this time Browning said she still gets excited about the jamboree every year.

"It's a community event. It's a good way to get people out," she said.

The jamboree is designed to have a variety of events so there is something for everyone, she said. The event is also a way to mark the changing of the seasons.

"It's a sign of spring hopefully," said Browning.