Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am excited to report that today is the first day of the 37th Annual K'amba Carnival. That's right; since before some of my honourable colleagues were born, a team of dedicated volunteers from K'atlodeeche First Nation, led by super volunteer Diane Fabian, have organized a winter festival that has been going strong since 1982.
This winter gathering commonly sees visitors from northern Alberta and British Columbia, and from all over the Northwest Territories. Many also come home especially for the carnival.
The carnival takes place on the first weekend of March. This year, activities start today, February 28, and run through to March 3rd.
I have taken a look at the agenda, and it is jam-packed with activities. The carnival started with a fire feeding ceremony today at lunchtime, and over the rest of the day we'll see some long-time favourite events, including the crowning of the Carnival Queen. We will also get to meet the carnival's brand-new mascot, designed by two Hay River artisans, Kim Lea and Trisha Laye, who will be revealed during the festivities.
On Friday, there will be outdoor youth games, a $10,000 bingo, and a drum dance; and on Saturday, things will get going with hand games, dog races, adult outdoor games, a talent show, and a country and western dance featuring Shane Daniels and the Usual Suspects.
If you thought things would slow down by the weekend, Mr. Speaker, you thought wrong. We will see a pancake breakfast, more hand games, dog races, and outdoor games, as well as a poker derby, the awards ceremonies and raffle draws, and a drum dance. After that, I hope the hardworking volunteers will be able to take a well-deserved break.
Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my colleagues will join me in congratulating the K'amba Carnival Organizing Committee for their incredible contribution to their community. They were recognized with an outstanding Volunteer Award in 2016, and they are as worthy today as they were then. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.