HAY RIVER
Close to 30 people turned out last Thursday to get involved with planning this year's Kamba Carnival.

About 25 people turned out to help kick off the preparations for this year's Kamba Carnival, to be held March 5 through 8. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"The carnival, it was originally for kids," said Diane Tourangeau, who ran the event in previous years. "It's a lot of work, and it takes a lot of commitment and effort."

Kamba typically draws hundreds of people to the Hay River Reserve as well as the town itself. With dances, dog sledding and games, it offers something for everyone and is the anchor of the season's calendar for many residents.

"It's all volunteers, but everyone has to know what they're getting into," said Tourangeau. "Volunteers have to be respectful to everyone. If you're short-tempered and yell at a kid, that reflects badly on you. There are a lot of people who come to town for this and it reflects badly on everyone if you're not respectful."

Despite the well-known nearly herculean effort it takes to run the four-day carnival, there were many volunteers to hold places on the executive. In the end, Doug Lamalice was elected chair, with Michelle Lafleur serving as co-chair. Lenny Fabian will take up the position of secretary-treasurer. The carnival will take place March 5 through 8. Along with the three members of the executive, Thursday's meeting saw 18 general members added to the Kamba 2015 roster.

Lamalice pointed out that organizers have had to overcome last minute obstacles in the past, alluding to frozen pipes at the Chief Lamalice Complex during last year's carnival.

"Everything comes down to attitude," said Lamalice. "The talent show last year, our bathroom wasn't working, but we made it work anyway. Everything can be run great and go smoothly if we have a positive outlook and attitude."