Yellowknife (July 21/06) - After years of working, Marnie Hilash finds herself at the helm of the 18-year-old tradition we know as the Great Northern Arts Festival.

"I started being involved back when I first arrived here, in 1993," said Hilash, who is now the Executive Director of the festival.

She has been an artist, a volunteer, a worker and a board member in the organization.

Her passion for the arts can be traced back to her parents, who were both creative.

"I always had an interest in being artistic, and followed it from there," she said.

It was last year that Hilash found the opportunity to be in charge of the event, when she answered an advertisement.

"My co-worker at the time told me that I was perfect for the position, so I applied for it," she explained.

Since she has a background in the festival itself, she was an ideal candidate, who quickly found herself neck deep in work.

"I hit the ground running nine months ago, which really isn't long enough to plan an event of this magnitude."

Since then, she has been busy calling artists, booking flights and ensuring that both ends of every problem meet.

"As much as I know about the whole process, there is still so much I need to learn."

The 10-day event wraps up on July 23, and usually takes place every year in mid-July.

"I love the atmosphere here," said Hilash. "It's like a mini-community when everything is here, and we all get along."

Hilash plans on being involved in next year's festival as well, and doesn't have plans to leave town.

"This is my home, and I'm going to be with the festival for as long as possible," said Hilash.