Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Mar 12/04) - What would a community carnival be without its organizing committee? Nothing.

That's exactly why Cindy Browning and Darlene Sibbeston took the reins of the Beavertail Jamboree three years ago. At that time, many members of the previous group had run out of steam. Browning, Sibbeston and Melody Rasmussen, who has since stepped down, made a commitment to keep the annual event running.

"We inherited it," said Browning. "It just so happened that, at that time, there was no one else interested."

Sibbeston said the volunteer job means long hours, "but it comes with the territory and it's a lot of fun."

Since its mainly for the children of her community, she doesn't mind a bit.

With assistance from several other members of the organizing committee, including vice-president Troy Bradbury, they began planning this year's carnival more than a month ago.

Stepped forward

Fortunately some local organizations have stepped forward to oversee various events.

"It's not that stressful. Everything works out as long as everybody else does their part and for the last few (carnivals) they have been," said Browning.

With all the arrangements and myriad details, their first year at the helm seemed overwhelming, Sibbeston said.

"Last year and this year it has become so much slicker," she said. "We wouldn't be successful if we didn't delegate."

There are those who commend the committee members for their work and those who are never satisfied, she said, but she refuses to dwell on activities that don't run as advertised due to inclement weather or other complications.

"If (people) start to complain, I just look at them and say, 'Well sit on the committee. Come and make some decisions,'" she said.