Iqaluit celebrates holidays with Christmas games

Wearing trash might not be the ideal look in everyday life, but at Iqaluit’s Christmas games Monday night it sent some people home at least $100 richer.

Iqaluit’s annual multi-day celebration over the Christmas holidays enters its closing stretch this week.

Since Dec. 22, people have been gathering at the cadet hall to compete for prizes, exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays.

“It’s been a success,” said Joanasie Akumalik, who has been working with the city’s recreation staff to host the events.

Akumalik hosted Monday night’s games alongside Mayor Solomon Awa and Education Minister David Akeeagok.

There was an in-and-out flow of spectators and participants throughout the night, with the garbage bag fashion show listed as the highlight of the evening’s games. For that, eight participants wore their best parkas, dresses and tuxedos made solely out of plastic garbage bags.

Winners — each from categories for best girls’, boys’, women’s and men’s outfits — earned cash prizes ranging from $100 to $250. The winners were decided by the crowd’s applause and cheers.

Other contests Monday included limbo, dice games, charades, races and a musical chairs-like game involving spoons.

Some participants take the games seriously.

“I always win during Christmas games and Toonik Tyme games. I’m a very competitive player,” said Christina-Ann Qavavou.

Qavavou won some furs Monday night. Other prizes included gift cards, toys, kitchenware and winter clothing.

While this year’s games have been going well, the lack of a permanent host venue is on Akumalik’s mind.

Other Nunavut hamlets have large community hall spaces where they host their Christmas games and other gatherings. Iqaluit’s Christmas games have rented spaces such as Nakasuk Elementary School in the past. Last year, the games moved to the Royal Canadian Legion-owned cadet hall.

“I wish we had more like a regular community hall,” Akumalik said.

Christmas games return to the cadet hall Tuesday from 6 to 11 p.m. and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m.

Two New Year’s Eve fireworks shows are set to launch Wednesday night from the deepsea port at 10 p.m. and midnight.

The annual New Year’s Day parlak, or candy toss, is scheduled Thursday for 1 p.m. outside at Nakasuk school, with outdoor games happening there as well.