Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
RANKIN INLET
More than 1,000 people took part in the Canada Day 150 celebration and its various activities in Rankin Inlet on July 1.
The event began with the Canada Day parade at noon, and continued with a free community barbecue, face painting, a kid's bike race in two groups of 10 and under and 15 and under, and a best-decorated contest with cash prizes for vehicles, bicycles, ATVs and costumes.
The day was further brightened for the youngest in the community by the hamlet setting up all three of its Bouncy Castle attractions from 12:30 until 2:30.
And, like every year previous, the hamlet hauled out the Bouncy Castle elements, the lineups were long and the fun factor was off the charts for all three.
Audrey Paynter spent the first part of her Canada Day festivities helping to barbecue the small mountain of hotdogs the local Legion branch gave out to the community.
She said she always enjoys Canada Day and the good times it brings with it.
"I like to see the people of the community all together like this, with everyone smiling and having a real great time," said Paynter.
"You also see so many families together; laughing, enjoying being out as a family and celebrating our great country together.
"Ya' gotta love Canada!"
The day's festivities switched gears at 2:30 p.m. with a cardboard boat race, and a special water-cross race with the boats and paddles made of only cardboard and tape.
Both events featured cash prizes, and both took place behind the community's snow fence.
A Styrofoam boat race happened across Williamson Lake at 5 p.m., while 7 p.m. brought along with it a target-shooting competition at the range.
All cash prizes for the day were $300 (1st), $200 (2nd) and $100 (3rd), except the two kid's bike races, which featured prizes of $150 (1st), $100 (2nd) and $50 (3rd).
Rankin Inlet's Canada Day 150 celebration came to an end with a Cultures of Canada feast and square dance at the community hall.
Johnny Ayaruaq is well known to the community for helping at many events, with the Canada Day activities held in front of the hamlet office being one of his annual gigs.
Ayaruaq said he likes to volunteer for different events throughout the year to enjoy what they have to offer.
"I love seeing the community out together," said Ayaruaq.
"That's one of the things that makes Canada Day so great in Rankin.
"I love seeing the kids running around, laughing, eating all sorts of treats and having a great time.
"That's why I look forward to Canada Day, because I really like running all the activities and seeing the kids, and adults, smiling and having so much fun."
