LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The final touches are being put on the plans for this year's Beavertail Jamboree, and while many staple favourites are on the list, at least one event will be conspicuously absent.

The sno-cross circuit will not be stopping in Fort Simpson this year. The snow drag races will also be absent for the second year in a row.

The thrill of seeing snowmobilers – like Derek Ocko last year – catching airtime on the track, will not be part of this year's Beavertail Jamboree. As a result of declining attendance and financial restraints, the sno-cross circuit won't be stopping in Fort Simpson. - NNSL file photo

Insurance prices have risen and the sno-cross track can't be built on the papal site as a result of damage done to one of the monuments last year, said Cindy Browning, a member of the Beavertail organizing committee.

There were no other suitable locations to build the track, Browning said.

Declining participation and revenue were also factored into the decision. Last year, only approximately 20 snowmobilers participated in the event, a decrease from an average of 35 to 40 in previous years, said Troy Bradbury, who organized the sno-cross stop in the village.

As a result of declining registration, the money gathered to host next year's event also shrank.

Entry fees used to bring in between $4,000 and $6,000 but last year only $1,100 was raised, Bradbury said.

Although he didn't want to make the decision to forgo the sno-cross circuit stop, Bradbury said Fort Simpson isn't alone. Both Fort Smith and Fort Resolution have also cancelled their sno-cross events, he said. Instead of the sno-cross and snow drag races the Beavertail committee is putting its efforts behind a poker rally, an event that is hoped will draw in more local participation.

"I want to include more people," said Bradbury.

"Snowmobiling is a family thing in a lot of places."

By hosting a poker rally, the jamboree is returning to its roots. The rallies were held as family-oriented rides prior to the arrival of sno-cross, he said.

"It was a lot of fun," said Bradbury.

This year's event will involve a 30 to 40 km ride on March 14. Along the way participants will have to answer five questions that will either be trivia about the village or brainteasers. With every right answer, riders will have their names put into a draw for prizes. Prizes will include one $500 prize and 50 $50 prizes. Local business are also expected to donate prizes.

The ride will be fun for the whole family and safe for children, Bradbury said.

Set for Sunday, the ride will be one of the jamboree's final events. The week of activities will start on March 7.

Some of the highlights will include dog races, which are back for a third consecutive year, said Browning. The jamboree will also feature live entertainment by Rising Nation, a band from High Level, Alta., for the adult dance and talent show. Lee Mandeville will be the fiddler for both the youth and adult talent shows.

Other perennially favourite events will include traditional games, youths' games, a feast, crib tournament and the corporate challenge.

"Organization is pretty well done, just a few odds and ends left," said Browning.

Potential kings and queens are raising the jamboree's profile around the village by selling tickets as part of the Quest for the Crown competition. The participants have until March 10 to sell as many tickets as possible.

The final schedule for the jamboree's events is expected to be available in the first week of March. The other members of this year's organizing committee include Aaron McNab, Cheryl Sibbeston, Jonas Antoine and Ria Letcher.