Iqaluit (Apr 24/06) - Invite her and they will come. Iqalummiut poured into Nakasuk school for the Toonik Tyme opening ceremonies where Governor General Michaelle Jean accepted her Honourary Toonik designation.

Unfortunately for many, the event was too popular and people were turned away at the door.

Following fire marshal orders to cap seating off at 300 people, bylaw officer Tyson Kalluk stood in the school parking lot, breaking the news to hopeful latecomers.

"They just basically said 'too bad for us,'" said Kalluk on people's response to the news.

Inside, listening to Jean's extensive speech was Iqaluit resident Karam Ashoo. He just made it in the nick of time.

"I showed up at 6:45 and 10 people got in after we did," said Ashoo. "They needed a larger venue but there is none. We're lucky we got in anyway."

The ceremonies were scheduled to open at 7 p.m. and carry on until 9. They ended up starting an hour late and ended at 10:30 pm.

In addition to remarks from Jean, Premier Paul Okalik, Commissioner Ann Hanson and Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik spoke.

The live entertainment had the crowd clapping.

Celina Kalluk and Sylvia Cloutier performed throat singing and the Nunavut Floor Masters, Phresh Boyz and the Furious Females broke it down with some breakdancing, backed up with DJ Madeskimo, aka Geronimo Inutiq.