Annual end-of-winter celebrations rock Rankin Inlet
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (May 09/01) - Try as he may, Old Man Winter couldn't dampen spirits during Pakallak Tyme celebrations in Rankin Inlet.
Bad weather forced hamlet recreation co-ordinator Johnny Tucktoo to juggle his schedule around to complete as many events as possible.
Tucktoo says that, despite the weather, the 2001 edition of Pakallak Tyme went well.
"Between the weather and problems we had with our big tent on the ice, everything wasn't completed and, as a result, I wasn't able to offer everything I wanted to this year," says Tucktoo.
"But, other than that, everything went well and the majority of our events were very well attended."
As usual, fun and games carried the day. But in the end, mushing and snowmobile racing were the crown jewels of the event.
Arviat's Joe Savikataaq Jr., took home the championship trophy and cheque in the snowmobile rally.
Junior Kaludjak took second place, with Makpah Kaludjak finishing third and Chad Campbell fourth.
Fifth to 10th places were claimed by Victor Kaludjak, Brian Angalik, Sam Algalik, Ryan St. John, Romeo Kuglugak and Alvin Sandy.
On the mushing side, Warren Palfrey defended his Kivalliq Championship Dog Derby crown with a combined time of just over four hours.
Palfrey finished three minutes ahead of Rankin Inlet's Dyan Gray, who claimed second spot, and 16 minutes ahead of third-place finisher Marcel Marin, also of Rankin.
Rounding out the top 10 were Eric Tatty, David Oolooyuk, Moses Kigusiutnak, Sandy Okatsiak, Phillip Kigusitnak and Andrew Panegoneak.
Palfrey used the same eight dogs that led him to a 10th-place finish at the Canadian Championships in Yellowknife.
He says that although the second day of the three-day race was postponed due to bad weather, conditions on the final day were just as bad.
"The trail was good, but the visibility was terrible on the third day," says Palfrey.
"Defending my championship here was a nice ending to what's been a good overall season for me. I'm already looking forward to next year."
