Don’t let the chilly temperatures fool you, Naked in Muskoka is just around the corner.

The fashion festival will be making its second appearance in Muskoka this August, and last week the organizers held auditions in Gravenhurst to help pick the stars of the show.

This year’s version of the event will feature a unique twist, which is summed up in the evening’s name: Naked in Muskoka Two: Backstage Pass.

While last summer’s inaugural celebration featured a typical fashion show, this year’s version, taking place at Gravenhurst Opera House, will allow the public to wander backstage throughout the day to take a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that goes into such an affair.

This year’s show will also feature live bands and vendors selling homemade goods in Trillium Court at the Opera House.

Organizers Anne Hopkins, who designed the clothes for the show, and Beth Bussotti, have put out an open call for aspiring designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, models and musicians who want to take part.

According to Hopkins, the less experience the better.

“Our mission is to give those children a taste of what’s in store if they decide to pursue a career in the industry,” said Hopkins during last Tuesday’s auditions at the Opera House. “This will help them dip their toes in and give them their very first experience.”

The audition session was the second in preparation for the Aug. 9 show, and Hopkins said they are still looking for volunteers in all fields, including live bands and vendors.

Hopkins said the first fashion festival was great fun but more work than she had anticipated.

“It was a huge event, and when it was over I thought that would likely be it,” she said. “Then Beth (Bussotti) said she really wanted to do another one . . . and we decided to get other people involved. Our goal is to encourage creativity . . . there’s not a lot to do in a small town after the shops close, so we feel that we can encourage them to have projects to keep them busy.”

Waiting eagerly for her chance to stroll the catwalk, 17-year-old Stephanie Godfrey said she’s done some modelling but has yet to do it in front of a crowd.

“It’s going to be so much fun. I love Anne’s clothes, the colours and designs and the way they fit,” she said. “I’ve lived in Gravenhurst for four years and nothing like this has happened since I’ve been here.”

Anyone interested in participating can find more information at www.nakedinmuskoka.piczo.com