Pakallak Tyming in Rankin
Mother Nature co-operates to help make festival a success
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
RANKIN INLET
Sounds of laughter and excitement filled the air during Pakallak Tyme celebrations in Rankin Inlet from April 21 to May 1.
Leroy Sabourin sprints to the finish line as Makayak Nipisar rounds the corner on his way to second place during Pakallak Tyme's race around Williamson Lake this past month in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Local residents and a number of out-of-town visitors cheered on snowmobile racers and dog mushers, took part in numerous fun-filled activities,and attended both a community feast and a large square dance at the community hall.
Rec co-ordinator David Clark said this year's event had the best weather of any during the past decade.
He said that was a pleasant surprise, considering how bad the weather had been leading up to the festival.
"We couldn't ask for better weather to hold events outside, and that really helped everything go well," said Clark.
"We had excellent turnouts, with the exception of one or two events I thought would have drawn better.
"It may have been bad timing for those two, with so much going on at the time, but, for the most part, we had huge crowds at every event."
Clark said this year's Pakallak Tyme was also helped by a number of community groups getting involved with running their events.
He said quite a few volunteers also stepped up to run activities, which is always nice to see.
"I hired some extra recreational staff for the week and it all came together very well for us.
"As far as I'm aware, everyone had a really good time and we didn't receive any complaints.
"The hamlet spent almost $28,000 on Pakallak Tyme this year.
"It's expensive to run, but, on the other hand, it's a great way for the hamlet to give back to the community and we all enjoy doing that."
Clark said the festival is a good way to get everyone in a spring-like mood.
He said it's also a good way to help shake off any lingering winter blues people may still be experiencing.
"You see people with nice tans on their faces now," laughed Clark.
"I'm taking a little holiday, and then I'll get back to start everything up for our annual fishing derby.
"The hamlet is keeping the 50-mile boundary in place as a safety measure for the fishing derby.
"Traditionally, we have huge crowds for our fishing derby and I don't see it being any different this year."
