Inuvik (July 10/06) - With four days to go until this year's Great Northern Arts Festival, a tentative schedule is coming together, offering a little something for everyone.

GNAF executive director Marnie Hilash said she is eager for the event to begin, though she can't seem to decide what part of the festival excites her the most.

"I'm excited to see everyone. For me, it's going to be seeing a lot of old friends, and some new artists as well," Hilash said.

The theme for this year's 18th annual event, running July 14-23, is "Living the Legacy of our Elders," honouring the foundation of much of the North's traditional and contemporary art.

Aside from the 50 or more artists coming from around the North and beyond, the festival will feature a series of artists' workshops, as well as performances from Inuvik's Razzamajazz!, Yellowknife's Priscilla's Revenge, the Aklavik Traditional Dancers and many others, either in the GNAF gallery itself or in the arena after the gallery closes.

The festival takes off from the starting line Friday, July 14 at 8 p.m. in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik. The night will feature a welcoming blessing, the Tuk Drummers and Dancers and greetings from master of ceremonies Tom Lie and Hilash.

Things truly get underway on July 15, with a gallery showing and a series of artist demonstrations. That evening, things get interesting with an "Old Time Dance," featuring Tuktoyaktuk's Beaufort Sea Boys and Inuvik's Good Time Band.

On Tuesday night, Hilash said Priscilla's Revenge and the Tuk Drummers and Dancers would be performing together. "What does a hard-rockin' blues band have in common with traditional music and drumming?" Hilash asked. "Well, we're going to find out."

After an evening performance from the Cole Crook Fiddlers on Wednesday, Thursday night will see Razzamajazz! take the stage, hosting the GNAF Coffee House Jam.

Saturday night features "A Tradition of Style: Arctic Fashion," the GNAF fashion show, which has brought together traditional and contemporary styles together since the early days of the festival.

The Great Northern Arts Festival ends its 18th year on Sunday, July 23, with a closing ceremony featuring a series of awards for participating artists and an announcement of what next year's GNAF theme will be. While things are definitely coming together, Hilash said the final days of preparation have been hectic.

Of course, she said that makes her easy to spot out in a crowd.

"I'll be the one with my head spinning around," she said with a laugh.