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The turnout was good and the Caribou Carnival was back on the ice on Frame Lake last weekend. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Caribou Carnival raised its antlers again this year on its Frame Lake home, much to the surprise of some people, but to the delight of many who attended.

"The feedback I've heard is positive for the most part," said volunteer Michael Richardson. "They like that it's back outside, back on the ice. We had some things for people to do and people are enjoying the community, so I think it's a positive step forward."

The announcement that the outdoor carnival would in fact be held this year came late, and combined with the death rattle of last year's indoor carnival at the Multiplex, had many locals worried.

"I didn't think it was going to happen, but here we are," said Lise Picard, an organizer for the Cabane a sucre.

Catherine McManus, the treasurer for the Caribou Carnival Association, said there were numerous setbacks, but she is happy with the outcome.

"It turned out pretty good even though we were running low on time, funding and volunteers," said McManus.

The funding wasn't as good as they'd hoped for, she said, but community support and many generous sponsors helped tremendously to fill in the gaps.

However, a huge setback was the small number of volunteers compared to what they'd expected.

"We had hoped to have 200 but we maybe had about 50. So it's a little hectic," said McManus, adding the carnival couldn't spare enough volunteers to don the caribou cop and mascot costumes.

"It's unfortunate because they're a big part of caribou carnival, and people are looking for them."

McManus said the turnout was good though, estimated at 5,000, and "people are pretty supportive about it and understanding."

This year is but a stepping stone to next year, when more people can get involved, McManus said. A few Yellowknifers were already thinking of ways it can improve.

"I think they need to revamp it a little bit and add a few activities for the kids that are more fun," said Chantal Dubuc. "I know there aren't many volunteers, and that hasn't helped them to make it on a larger scale. I think maybe if we get more volunteers, they could sit down and brainstorm activity ideas that aren't costly. I'm sure there are lots of things people can come up with."

"There were lots of businesses and people who saw the effort we put into it and have said that they want to help out next year - lots of people who used to help with it, who were inspired to help out again," said Jolene Hughes, president of the Caribou Carnival Association.

Hughes said the goals for next year are to add activities for kids and youth, get the Ugly Truck and Dog contest back up and running and to have the snow and ice sculpting contests again.

Volunteer Michael Richardson said he's just happy with how far they got this year.

"I guess the main idea was to get it back to where it used to be, if possible," said Richardson, "and we're taking our small steps to get there."