INUVIK - Inuvik is 50 years old and a group of volunteers are working to make the best of it.

The 50th anniversary committee has been meeting for the past year, brainstorming and planning events such as a vehicle raffle to promote the homecoming event in July.

Town Councillor Brian McDonald poses with the vehicle being raffled by the town office. The draw is happening this summer, during the 50th anniversary homecoming celebration. A committee of volunteers are working hard to plan the event as well as other activities throughout the year. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Committee chair Jim McDonald said the homecoming will be the main event of the year.

The homecoming is scheduled for July 11 to 21, 2008.

"We're hoping to have a large day event planned for July 18," he said.

Inuvik was officially named on July 18, 1958. Even though construction of the town began in 1955, the completion ceremony in 1958 is considered the official "birth" of Inuvik.

The committee has sent invitations to government officials for the July 18 event.

"We even sent an invitation to the Prime Minister," said McDonald.

"Hopefully we will hear back from them soon."

While most of the planning for the July homecoming still needs to be done, McDonald and his crew are working to line up musical acts.

"We're looking for a good headlining band," he said.

"We're looking at a concert in the Jim Koe Park and a few dances at the rec centre."

Co-ordinating with existing events is important to the committee, said McDonald.

"We want to work with the arts festival, so we can get something going with them," he said.

Collaborating with the arts festival is important because it would mean double the activities for visiting tourists.

The End of the Road music festival society has also been in talks with the committee.

"They will be hosting coffeehouses and other things during the year," said McDonald.

McDonald said he would like to work with the elders of the community to gather stories of the early years in Inuvik.

Another important element of Inuvik summer is the Northern Games. McDonald said he would like to work with the co-ordinators of the Arctic sports to put on a few demonstrations.

A raffle has already started, with the prize being a brand new Yukon XL vehicle.

The $25 tickets for the truck are on sale through the town office and with town staff.

McDonald said the draw date is on July 7, but if all 4,000 tickets sell early, the date could be earlier.