Qaumagia Mitsima was named the honorary Toonik this year. Nicotye Naglingniq, who nominated Mitsima, said he has saved many people on the land and on the water over the years. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

IQALUIT - Iqaluit's annual Toonik Tyme spring carnival kicked off last Wednesday, offering something for everyone.

The highlights for Tommy Inookee are the traditional Inuit games, the good Inuktitut music and the gathering of people to mark the coming of spring, he said.

Neevee Paniloo also likes the social aspects of events, remarking that she was looking forward to meeting new people and hearing music from other communities.

For Eileen Kilabuk, watching the senior men's hockey tournament and cheering on her nephew is her favourite way to spend time.

Jillian Brown and Leevee Naglingniq are fans of the fast-moving snowmobiles.

The Fear Factor event is at the top of Jeff Lem's list.

As a contestant last year, he gobbled up five African hissing cockroaches.

"They were huge and sticky and gooey," he said, making a face as he recalled the agony of swallowing them.

"They stayed down, with a bottle of water."