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ARVIAT - The 2009 Arviat Spring Festival was a hugely successful affair with a decidedly family atmosphere, said one of its main organizers.

Doreen Manik, who is also the principal of Qitiqliq Middle School, said the festival was held during the week schools were on Easter break.

Mary Ajaaq Anowtalik and Delilah Ajaaq Anowtalik, right, compete in the namesake snow inuksuk-building contest during the Arviat Spring Festival earlier this month. - photo courtesy of the Mikilaaq Centre

She said that worked well for helping to make the festival a truly family event.

"We had really nice weather for the entire week and there were outdoor and radio games for people of all ages," said Manik.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy the fact we tried very hard to keep all the games family-orientated.

"Many families competed in the games together.

"And even though we had cash prizes, everyone kept it fun and didn't become too competitive."

Some of the festival's main events included snow sculptures and namesake snow-inuksuk building.

There was also a large scavenger hunt, a 1960s and 1970s teen dance, a limbo contest and an Elton John impersonator competition.

Manik said the community still gets excited about the annual spring festival.

She said it's always good to see the community come together and enjoy quality time in a family-orientated setting.

"We held a mock-dog team race which required a child to be on a sled being pulled by a mother and her daughter, and that was really a lot of fun.

"That's the way we tried to set the festival up, so families really had to be involved in most of the games.

"It's good to hold the festival while school is on Easter break, and not just because students don't miss time away from their studies.

"It also keeps them busy with their families during their week off because a lot of them don't go out on break."

Manik said the afternoon and evening crowds were good throughout the festival.

She said many people stepped up to help with the games and ensure everything ran smoothly.

"It was like community co-operation because people at the different events would help out.

"They might play a game, for example, and after their turn when they weren't playing anymore, they'd take it upon themselves to help out whenever they saw it was needed.

"Everyone just helped each-other out during the week and that helped make this year's festival even more special."