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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
In a bid to bring the focus back on families and to increase attendance, the organizers of Mackenzie Days are reinventing the annual celebration.

This year, Mackenzie Days is being split over two weekends. A decision was made to separate the events for adults, especially those involving alcohol, from the rest of the celebrations, said Kari Hergott, a member of the Mackenzie Days Committee.

"We really want to focus on families," she said.

The adult dance, with musician Roger West, will be held on July 27 followed by a bingo and the adult talent show on the following day. By holding these events a week earlier, the main Mackenzie Days weekend, Aug. 3 to 5, can be solely for family-focused events that are alcohol free, Hergott said.

The change will also allow the profits from the first weekend to be used to fund the main weekend and its prizes, Hergott said. Breaking up the activities should also give volunteers a breather.

"It's a lot of energy," said Hergott.

In recent years, with more events in different communities being held on the long weekend, there has also been a growing competition for participants, said Hergott. By holding the bingo a week earlier, the hope is more people will travel to Fort Providence to participate.

In addition to separating the events, the Mackenzie Days Committee is also turning to the community for more help.

Normally four or five regular committee members organize the weekend and then people come forward to volunteer on the day of the events, said Hergott. This year, the committee held a series of meetings to get residents involved in the groundwork of the celebration.

Approximately 20 people have committed to helping to plan and co-ordinate the weekend, Hergott said.

By securing the involvement of more community members earlier, the goal is to increase the community spirit and ownership in the event, she said.

One thing that hasn't changed are the events. The regular events everyone loves will be back again this year, said Hergott.

The parade will kick off the weekend on Aug. 3. This year's theme is world attractions.

"We haven't had anything like this before," said Hergott.

Last year's theme was classic children's toys. World attractions can include structures such as the pyramids or the Eiffel Tower as well as anything from across Canada, Hergott said.

The same theme will be used for the great cake challenge, which will be held immediately after the parade at the community hall. A mini carnival will also be held on Friday along with a barbecue.

On Saturday, events will include mixed adult canoe races and youth canoe races as well as a handgames tournament. Last year there were categories for both men and women in the tournament and something similar is expected this year.

Other events scheduled for Saturday include a slo-pitch tournament and a family talent show. Categories including animal calling and Dene love songs will be included so adults can participate too, said Hergott.

On Sunday, Mackenzie Days will conclude with the end of the handgames and slo-pitch tournaments and a fishing derby.

Hergott said her favourite Mackenzie Days events continue to be the ones she can remember from her childhood, the parade and the talent shows.

"It's amazing what they can come up with and build and decorate," she said about the parade entries.

Hergott, who's been part of the Mackenzie Days committee for three years, said she's looking forward to seeing how the changes work this year.

"I think it's going to be great," she said.

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