Yellowknife (Jan 12/07) - The calls have been made, and the Caribou Carnival co-ordinator is waiting to see who will step up to sponsor the event this year.

But Grant Pryznyk, co-ordinator of this year's carnival, said community businesses can be counted on to support the event.

Kira MacPherson, 9, feeds a goat in the petting zoo at last year's Caribou Carnival. With no major sponsors yet, the success of this year's event will depend on a sponsor coming forward. - NNSL file photo

"There's no major sponsors yet," said Pryznyk, "but it hasn't been a problem in the past."

Although no major corporate sponsors have come on board yet, Folk on the Rocks has donated weekend passes for its summer festival and two compilation albums.

"We don't do it for the advertisement," said Folk on the Rocks festival director Tracey Bryant.

"We do it to support the community. That's our philosophy, to help one another."

The passes will likely be used as prizes in the Quest for the Crown contest. The royal titles of Caribou Carnival king or queen, and prince or princess, go to the people who sell the most raffle tickets supporting the event.

Caribou Carnival has previously received support from the City of Yellowknife, Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Past corporate sponsors include First Air, Northland Utilities, and Superior Propane.

Pryznyk is also looking for volunteers to help out with the events.

"We know it's a lot of work putting it all together," he said.

Pryznyk is one of two full-time personnel hired to run this year's event by the Caribou Carnival Association headed by president Don Finnamore.

Finnamore said the association is starting off the season with a modest cash surplus from last year's event. He is working with the executive to ensure the long-term financial and operational success of the carnival.

The Caribou Carnival Association will also hire a site co-ordinator next month to manage the carnival workers, volunteers and clean-up crew.