Hay River is welcoming the 2021 K'amba Carnival in this year of Covid-19.
Mayor Kandis Jameson is praising the efforts of carnival organizers and K'atlodeeche First Nation.
"Hats off that they could pull it together that quickly and especially considering you've got so many different hoops that you have to hop through with Covid," she said. "So good on them."
Jameson said K'amba Carnival is a great cultural event and great for the community, even if it will be different this year because of Covid-19.
The Town of Hay River has declared a half-day civic holiday for March 5 to coincide with K'amba Carnival.
"It's our way of showing support for what they do, and we believe that culturally it's very, very important that we support what they do," said Jameson. "It's good stuff for the community all around."
The mayor said that carnival organizers have had to do some creative thinking for this year's event.
"They've definitely had to think out of the box," she said. "And Covid has taught us that there are different ways to do everything. I wish them well."
The economic impact on the town will not be as great this year, Jameson said. "I think we would all agree that it's not going to be as big as previous years, but considering public health limitations, it just can't be as big."
However, she said the carnival will still definitely add value to the community.
Terry Rowe, the president of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce, also said K'amba Carnival has a positive impact on the community, even though there will likely be fewer visitors this year.
"Of course, it's going to have a good economic impact on our town," Rowe said. "Will they get the same numbers, I'm not too sure. But it's a great event no matter what."