Annual spring celebration attracts racers and dancers
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 18/01) - Organizing Pakallak Tyme is like throwing a party for 3,000 friends.
"It's lots of work but seeing the elders and youth on the ice, laughing and smiling, it's all worth it. I love my job," said Johnny Tucktoo, hamlet recreation co-ordinator.
The energetic Tucktoo is running around town in a sleep-deprived state, finalizing last minute details for the April 23-May 1 celebration.
Unlike last year, when he'd only been recreation co-ordinator for one month, Tucktoo has had a year to plan this year's Pakallak Tyme.
The nine-day event includes dog-team races, snowmobile races, square dancing, three-legged races, radio games and a talent show. Tucktoo credits his 20-person volunteer committee with making his job easier.
People from around Nunavut, including several hundred Nunavut Association of Municipalities delegates in town for a conference, are expected to drop by the ice or arena.
"There's going to be a real carnival atmosphere," Tucktoo said.
Just a week before the opening ceremonies, the town is buzzing in anticipation.
Rankin Inlet's one hotel and bed and breakfast said people will be reaching for their no vacancy signs.
"We're booked from April 23-27," said Manny Sivilay, front desk clerk at the Siniktarvik Hotel and Conference Centre.
Many of the bookings were Nunavut Association of Municipalities delegates, she said.
Sivilay missed most of last year's activities because of work. This year, she hopes to sneak a peek at the snowmobile races.
"I hear they're awesome. I had to work in the day so I couldn't go. At night I went to the square dances, they were great," Sivilay said.
The variety of events makes Pakallak Tyme the ideal family outing, said Bryan Fotheringham, who owns and operates Tara's Bed and Breakfast with his wife Tara.
"We're booked. A lot of people come from the communities. It's a lot of fun," Fotheringham said.
