SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife residents have another opportunity to celebrate their town's 75th anniversary later this summer by returning to the place where it all began.

The third annual Old Town Ramble and Ride will fill the historic neighbourhood with festivities for all ages on August long weekend.

Sandy Craig carved at Gallery of the Midnight Sun during a workshop at the first Old Town Ramble and Ride in 2007. - NNSL file photo

"Old Town started out as 'the' town," said Mayor Gord Van Tigham. "That's where everything was. Anything that was happening was happening there. The Old Town Ramble and Ride has revitalized that active environment, but it's focused more on arts, music and other endeavours that have got people down there and interacting much like it was many years ago, although with a modern twist. It is neat to see the businesses in the community get an infusion of life that weekend."

The festival launched through an initiative of the Gallery of the Midnight Sun, Down To Earth Gallery and the Yellowknife Glass Recyclers Co-op alongside collaborations between many other area businesses and artists.

This summer the art exhibits, musical performances, workshops and children's entertainment return from July 31 until Aug. 2.

Co-ordinator Rick Poltaruk is contacting artists, bands and businesses this week to fill the three days with lots of family entertainment.

"Old Town is the personality of Yellowknife," Poltaruk said. "We're planning to celebrate that."

Young musicians are encouraged to get involved, Poltaruk said, adding he also plans to concentrate on arranging venues to showcase new work by emerging visual artists and professional artists.

Terry Pamplin at Head Space Studio on McDonald Drive said he is planning to host live music while displaying fresh work that weekend.

"Old Town Ramble and Ride lets people come down and enjoy the fact that Old Town is a lively place," he said. "This is a thriving community. Watch for posters. It's going to be interesting."

All festival goers will receive an Old Town passport, which will be stamped by participating businesses. Passports stamped by five or more businesses can be entered in the second annual draw for a GNWT certified Polar Ice Diamond donated by the City of Yellowknife.

In addition to support from the city, the organizers received federal Canadian Heritage funding to help cover the costs of staging a three-day festival.

Any businesses, artists or musicians who want to book exhibit venues, stage times or simply share ideas can contact Poltaruk at rickpoltaruk@gmail.com.