INUVIK - Canada's northern-most music festival is looking for volunteers to help plan this year's event.

The annual End of the Road music festival will take place this August.

End of the Road music festival society member Mike Harlow stands in front of a poster from last year. The group has started planning for the August festival and are looking for community members who want to get involved in the event. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The group is planning their fundraising initiatives and is looking for able bodies to help. Mike Harlow, a society board member, said the group is making promotional packages to send out to advertise for bands to play.

"We have our venue and dates set, now we are looking to hire a co-ordinator," said Harlow.

Harlow said funding has been provided through the Town office and other organizations to pay for someone to work full-time for the summer.

"We're looking for someone local to take the position," said Harlow.

"That's pretty much where we're at right now."

Harlow said that once a co-ordinator has been hired for the society, the next step would be to start booking some bands to play the show.

"We're really looking for people to come out and get involved," said Harlow.

"It's a great festival, there are no other festivals higher North."

Harlow said Inuvik's remote location can be an attraction for southern bands that want to play the gig just for the experience of coming North.

He added that some bands are already in negotiations with the society.

"We don't want to say any names yet, but we are talking with some top-notch Juno award-winning kinds of bands," said Harlow.

"Their regular fee is 'x' amount, but they seem willing to lower that for the chance to come North."

Harlow added that there is also plenty of local talent to choose from and showcase when the stage lights are on this summer.

"Before anything, this needs a buy-in from the community," said Harlow.

"People need to come to us and tell us what they want in a music festival."

The group has been meeting all year, and Harlow said fundraising events are planned for this year.

"Last year, we had talent shows and jam sessions," said Harlow. "This year we are focusing on other fundraising. We got bingos and the bartending contract at the petroleum show."

Harlow said the main goal right now is to set the wheels in motion with the fundraising.

"The name of the game is organization and money," said Harlow.