Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Pelly Bay (July 29/02) - Plans to celebrate Kugaaruk's 30th year as an incorporated hamlet are progressing.

Senior administrator Quinn Taggart said last week invitations were issued to Premier Paul Okalik, Commissioner Peter Irniq and a number of cabinet ministers. MLA Ovide Alakannuark will also attend.

A giant cake, a community feast, drum dancing and throat singers from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, will also help mark the anniversary.

While the date of the actual 30-year mark passed April 1, Taggart said the hamlet council wanted to pick a day to celebrate when they could participate in a wider range of activities.

That said, Taggart also has plans to officially open the community's new road and bridge and to launch the new fish weir park.

"We wanted to pick a time when there would be lots going on," he said, adding that participants will also fish, camp and kayak.

As for finally being able to open the road and bridge -- construction began in 1999 -- Taggart said he is relieved.

"It will be nice to finally give it a good send off and to show the politicians what we've done," he said.

All events are scheduled to take place Aug. 15 through 17.