INUVIK - Organizing committee members Roy Ipana and Veronica McLeod say this year's Muskrat Jamboree will be one to remember.

"We're planning more events on the ice," said Ipana. "We're bringing back some old games and trying for a few new ones as well."

Eagerly awaiting the Muskrat Jamboree in a few weeks is emcee Roy Ipana. The jamboree committee has been busy preparing for the 50th anniversary of the ice carnival and have planned a long weekend of fun and games for the whole community. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Ipana, McLeod and the rest of the jamboree committee have been working hard all year in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the ice festival.

McLeod said a basic schedule has been prepared, but changes are always being made.

"We're using our basic schedule, with some additions and changes from community-based suggestions," she said.

Ipana said the long weekend starts on Thursday night and will wrap up on Monday afternoon.

"We've pushed for a longer schedule, with an extra day of events," said Ipana.

McLeod said women who like to race their snowmachines will be happy that a new race will make its debut during the jamboree.

"It's an open class cross-country for women only," she said.

During the opening night community feast, Ipana said this year a slide show is planned.

"We'll be highlighting past jamborees," said Ipana.

McLeod added that the committee welcomes slide and photo contributions from the community.

"We're looking for any photos that people may have from other Jamborees," said McLeod.

A traditional bingo will also take place, said Ipana.

"I don't think we've had a hall bingo in some time," he said.

The hall bingo will be a throwback to the days before the multiple T.V. bingos of today.

"They were such social events," said McLeod.

Ipana has been with the committee since 1984, but he said he took a few years off.

McLeod has been on board with the Muskrat Jamboree committee since 1999.

"She is the backbone of the whole operation," said Ipana.

"It's a year-round job for her. She takes care of a lot of the responsibilities."

McLeod said that letters were sent out to nearby communities to arrange the date for the Jamboree.

"We usually have ours on the second weekend of April," she said.

"But for the 50th anniversary, we wanted the Easter long weekend."

Ipana said the Aklavik Mad Trapper's Rendezvous committee was helpful in postponing their jamboree until the week after.

"We switched places for this year only," he said.

Ipana added that the site on the east channel of the Mackenzie River will be bigger this year.

"We will have much more space to work with this year," said Ipana.

"It's going to be a good time."