RANKIN INLET
Rankin Inlet was bursting at the seams with wholesome fun this past week, as the community came together for its annual Pakallak Tyme celebrations.

Celestino Kopak tries to get down another mouthful of crickets in the Fear Factor's final challenge during Pakallak Tyme activities in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The event ran from April 24 until May 3 and featured something for kids of all ages.

Rankin Mayor Robert Janes enjoyed his third Pakallak Tyme celebration as mayor since being elected. He said recreation co-ordinator David Clark, his staff and volunteers continue to do a great job with the event.

"David keeps all our recreation going and when the roof blew off this winter, if it wasn't for David's attitude and ability to get things done, we would have been in dire straits," said Janes.

"We would of had a lot of problems in the middle of hockey season here, and that's the same attitude and ability he brings to Pakallak Tyme every year."

Janes has called the Kivalliq home since Aug. 27, 1988.

He said during that time, he's come to learn just how important events like Pakallak Tyme are to a community.

"It means a lot because it's the time of year when people actually get the opportunity to get out and about.

"That's a good thing after a Rankin winter.

"It's a time for people to get a bit of exercise, play some games and have some fun.

"It's a chance to enjoy your community, when it comes right down to it."

Janes said while there will always be people who put winning above everything else, most people still enjoy Pakallak Tyme in the spirit for which it was intended. He said at the end of the day, it's all about having fun and spending quality time with friends and family.

"Of interest is that the momentum from it seems to have generated an opportunity to have something similar during the summer.

"It wouldn't be quite as exotic as Pakallak Tyme, but something along the lines of a three day summer festival.

"We're talking about it, because it would give us a time to celebrate our community again during the summer."