Yellowknife (Feb 04/05) - The outgoing Caribou Carnival president says she is confident this year's 50th anniversary festivities will carry on without her at the helm.

Pat McMahon resigned Tuesday, citing "previous personal and business commitments." She was elected president less than four months ago. On Wednesday, the former mayor elaborated on her written announcement, saying that settling her deceased father's estate took up more time than she expected.

On top of that was the pressure of managing the aviation company she runs with her husband, and the airport they partly own north of Calgary.

"I looked at the situation and thought, 'well, better to get somebody in there right now so they can pick up and run with it,'" said McMahon.

"I got it fairly far along but I just don't have the time available to take it to the end."

McMahon said it became clear she would have to resign after returning home from Vancouver, Jan. 21, where she spent two weeks settling her father's estate.

"There are some priorities you just have to do," said McMahon. "I was behind the eight ball trying to figure out how I was going to split myself into four people."

Regardless, McMahon believes the 50th anniversary carnival is still in good shape, and will be a great success.

"We have a pretty good board and things seem to be going along at a pretty good clip," said McMahon.

"I don't see why me stepping out of it would upset all of that."

McMahon said she's still willing stay involved but at a smaller capacity.

According to Carol Van Tighem, the carnival's executive director, no decision has been made yet on McMahon's replacement.

Caribou Carnival is scheduled for March 24-27.