INUVIK - For the first time ever, the End of the Road Music Festival is hoping to take its show outdoors and organizers of the annual event couldn't be more thrilled with the open air concept.

"It will hopefully be our first year working outdoors and we're tickled pink about that, because you know what, that's the way a festival ought to be," said Ray Massey, festival treasurer and local musician. "You can't match the atmosphere of a great outdoor concert and if it rains it makes it that much more interesting."

Ray Massey, End of the Road Music Festival treasurer, and Terrill Reid, festival co-ordinator, stand at the proposed new festival site at Jim Koe Park on Monday. They're hoping this year's eclectic crop of talent will have something for everyone. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The weekend event will be held Aug. 20 and 21. Massey and the festival's three other board members have been working overtime to build on last year's success.

For starters, the crew are planning to hold the two-day spectacle at Jim Koe Park on Mackenzie Road, instead of at the former Midnight Sun Recreation Complex site. The proposed location will host the main stage, bleachers, a few tents as well as a beer garden.

The board will go before town council for approval on Aug. 10. With the support of Mayor Derek Lindsay and a few other councillors already behind the festival, organizers are optimistic about their chances.

They're also working out a deal with the town to use its brand new portable stage, which unfolds into a 26-by-20-foot unit that will attach to the existing dance floor on site.

And there will be plenty of reason to get up and move as organizers have booked recently-reunited and multi-Juno-nominated band Doug and the Slugs, which boasts a new singer Ted Okos.

As far as festival co-ordinator Terrill Reid is concerned that act in itself is reason enough to join in the fun.

"They're just a top quality act," he said. "They put on a great show and I know anybody who comes out to see them won't be disappointed at all."

Other headliners include noted Dene songwriter Leonard Adams, whose country and classic rock style will resonate with many as well as The Whitehorse Blues All-Stars who are consistent fan favourites wherever they go. The board is also in the process of nailing down Yukon Jack for the two day event.

Action gets underway at about 8 p.m. and admission price is $5 per day.

The festival has also lured Juno award-winning children's entertainer Al Simmons, whose wildly creative and hilarious shows, which include a range of wacky music and props, will be on display at the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre on Saturday afternoon. An old time dance featuring James Rogers and the Good Time Delta Band, as well as a Much Music Video Dance for youth, are just a few other events on tap for the weekend.

Reid said the idea is to be as inclusive as possible, allowing everyone to join in on the weekend fun.

"The only way it can grow is if you bring quality entertainment," he said. "If you continue to make changes that are for the better, that's what will happen. So we're excited to see the community support."

Board members are starting a fundraising drive aimed at local businesses to donate as much as they can to the cause. For Reid and Massey, it's worth the effort.

"I'm a music lover and I consider myself community-minded," he said. "I'm on a couple of different boards, but this is one of my favourite things. We live where we live and we don't have access to a lot of entertainment here, which we deserve."

Reid couldn't agree more.

"I love doing this stuff." he said. "The biggest part is having an event that brings the whole community together. There are shows for kids, family ... and our elders. We try to cover music for everybody. It's important everyone has an opportunity once a year to get out and have a good time."