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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Each year, those of regal blood step forward to announce their claim to Yellowknife's Caribou Carnival crown. This year, as would-be monarchs prepare to declare themselves to the city's adoring crowds, more may be at stake than their right to the throne – perhaps the very fate of the kingdom itself.

It is no secret Caribou Carnival has lost much of its past lustre, but at least one heir hopes it will regain its previous grandeur.

Jennie Elsdon, caribou queen contestant, is fanned by her adoring court and Adam Dental Clinic colleagues. They are, from left, Michelle Dawydiuk, Katherine Riviere and Krista Johnson. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

"I'm interested in the rejuvenation of Caribou Carnival," said Jennie Elsdon, a dental assistant with Adam Dental Clinic. On Wednesday, she was one of five contestants entered into the caribou queen and king competition.

Krista Johnson, one of Elsdon's colleagues, said the staff may have coerced her into running.

"She's an unwilling, willing contestant," said Johnson. Actually, Elsdon said the staff told everyone she had entered her name before informing her of her impending candidacy. A good sport, Elsdon is ready and excited for the challenge. She is also getting a lot of support from her conspirators who have volunteered to serve as her royal court and help her sell tickets.

Twenty-eight-year-old Elsdon has lived in Yellowknife for the past six years. Since moving to the city she has worked at Adam Dental Clinic and has been regaled with tales of the Caribou Carnival glory days.

"Dr. Adam told me how great the Caribou Carnival was when he first moved here," said Elsdon.

Not what it used to be

Stories of the rich smell of caribou stew, the thump of Dene drums from the handgames tent and ice carving competitions paint a colourful and abundant tapestry of the carnival's past. But last year, the 54-year-old event had faded to a ghost of its former self, with only a few token events struggling to maintain community interest.

Elsdon said she hopes to help renew the carnival to its once regal form.

"I think it's important for the community and for the new people moving in," she said.

Elsdon said she hopes to help usher back an age where the carnival is once again a highlight of the winter season.

"I'm going to work to create excitement in the community for the caribou carnival and all the other events the volunteers of this community work so hard for," she said.

On Monday, the final list of caribou monarch contestants will begin their journey and vie for the title of king or queen and prince and princess.

As of Wednesday, no men had entered the competition.

Tiffany Gallivan, events co-ordinator for caribou carnival, said she was expecting a few more entries and decided to extend the entry deadline to today. Part of the reason was to encourage another city dentist office to join the fray and start a friendly rivalry with Adam Dental Clinic.

Expect to see Elsdon and the other contestants and their entourages canvassing the city between now and March 26. The person to sell the most tickets will earn the crown and win return tickets for two to Edmonton.

Gallivan said a complete list of contestants will be available once the deadline has past and she is sure no one has chosen to withdraw their name.