Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Norman Wells (Feb 07/00) - They're ready to hit the trail in Norman Wells, where the Trans Canada Trail Relay is scheduled to roll through the area Feb. 24-25.

The Northern portion of the trail relay is scheduled to begin Feb. in Tuktoyaktuk. There, water will be drawn from the Arctic Ocean and it will be taken to a special fountain built in Hull, Quebec.

In all, 33 local residents and five celebrities will be official water carriers in the Fort Good Hope to Tulita leg of the relay.

Carrying the water will be:

Snowmobile -- Alex Edwards, Danielle Nyland, Paul Nyland, Mike Komatiski, Lee Smith, Doris Smith, Guy Nagy, Lori Wisener, Courtney Cartwright, Mike Hodgson, Adam Shapansky, and Elaine Somers;

Cross-country skiing -- Eric William, Ron Ozolins, BJ Schulze, Gary Wilson and Cheryl Veitch;

Walking -- Ann Marie Tout, Monica Loomis, Harold Harris, Jim Klein, Margaret Minder, Bobby Orr, Steve Armstrong, Maureen Hachey, and Jennifer Tucker;

Running -- Alasdair Veitch and Bill Boos;

Dog-sledding -- Mark Taylor, Michael Taylor, Matthew Taylor, and Jill Taylor.

Norman Wells is planning to welcome the relay participants with a ceremony, parade and reception.

On Feb. 24, the relay will arrive at approximately 5 p.m. A ceremony to welcome the participants will be held in the community hall.

A parade will include raising the Canadian flag, singing of O Canada, a colour parade by cadets, short speeches and presentations.

When the relay goes through town, a candlelight parade will be held. People are encouraged to bring a candle or other bright object -- a flashlight -- and walk along with the relay.

The celebration will end with a reception at the Legion. It will include food, refreshments, entertainment and a community bonfire.

The relay will resume outside the Legion at 8 a.m.