KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
The hamlet of Rankin Inlet is gearing up for its annual Pakallak Tyme celebrations from April 25 to May 1.

This trout caught by recreation co-ordinator David Clark measured out at just under 40 inches, yet wasn't big enough to finish in the top 10 of the Rankin Inlet Fishing Derby in 2015. - NNSL file photo

The event usually attracts hundreds of visitors from across the region.

Rankin recreation co-ordinator David Clark said he's lucky to have groups that take care of the dog-mushing races, as well as the Kivalliq Challenge cross-country race organized by Noel Kaludjak.

He said those races add a top tier of events to the celebration, and the groups in charge take a lot of weight off of his shoulders.

"Those events are well organized and they're well attended," said Clark.

"People enjoy going to them, and participating in them, so that really helps out.

"I'm excited, also, to have Kathleen Merritt involved this year as part of the recreation committee.

"She has some great new ideas, so I'm looking forward to working with her."

Clark will be overseeing his 10th Pakallak Tyme this month.

He said it takes a lot of volunteers to make the activities a success each year.

"Pakallak Tyme is a real community event, that's for sure.

"It can be a stressful week on many levels, but it usually works out in the end.

"We give out some cash prizes during Pakallak Tyme, but nothing too major because we want things to stay fun and not get overly competitive."

Although the hamlet keeps the cash prizes on the sensible side, it still provides a lot of camping gear and other merchandise as prices during the events.

Clark said a lot of people don't realize just how expensive hosting an event this size truly is.

He said at the end of the day, people will always judge the efforts one way or the other, so the recreation department just tries to do its best.

"People sometimes forget Pakallak Tyme, or Hamlet Days at one time, was created a number of years ago to celebrate the arrival of spring.

"Two weeks after that, from May 20 to 23, we have the big fishing derby.

"The fishing derby draws the most participants of any event held in Rankin Inlet during the entire year.

"It's going to be a very busy month for us, but I'm looking forward to it."