Toonik Tyme kicks off in Iqaluit April 13

An igloo building competition is part of the 2011 Toonik Tyme schedule. (FILE PHOTO)

Snow soccer, anyone?

But, if that’s not your thing, try some ice golf or traditional outdoor games.

You’ll find just about every outdoor activity at Toonik Tyme. Iqaluit’s 2011 springtime festival, which also marks Iqaluit’s 10th year as the capital city of Nunavut.

Toonik Tyme kicks off Wednesday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m., with a “North of 60 Idol” bash at Nakasuk School and the start-up of a senior men’s hockey tournament.

Then, on Thursday, April 14, the fun starts in earnest, with elders’ bingo in the afternoon at the elders’ qammaq and, later that day, at 7:00 p.m. the official opening ceremonies at the curling rink ($2 admission for all exception of elders and youth under 12).

There, you’ll learn the identity of the 2011 official “Toonik,” who serves as honorary chairperson of the festival.

In the early years of Toonik Tyme, this honour was often given to a distinguished guest, invited to preside over the week’s festivities.

The ranks of past honorary Tooniks include John Diefenbaker, former prime minister of Canada, Prince Charles, former governor-generals, and former commissioners of the Northwest Territories, a former premier of Greenland, and a former mayor of Nuuk.

“Our first Toonik was an Inuk from Cape Dorset, his name was Atchealak…he used to be my clerk at the Hudson Bay Company, a real handyman he was, always around to help out … he dressed up in caribou furs and came over the hill by dog team… it was really quite dramatic and exciting with all the Inuit dancing and music,” said Gordon Rennie, who was himself chosen as the honorary Toonik for 1970.

In more recent years, the honourary Toonik award has gone to an individual who considered to be “an outstanding volunteer and demonstrates exceptional community spirit,” such as elder Inuapik Sageaktook, the 2009 honourary Toonik, or speed skating coach John Maurice, the 2010 honourary Toonik.

Toonik Tyme goes on non-stop, starting on Friday, April 15, an afternoon holiday for city and Government of Nunavut workers.

There’s ice golf at Toonik Lake across from the Arctic Games Arena, pre-school games, scavenger hunts, an uphill climb, and a “giant” bingo.

For those who still have energy to spare, there’s a $2-a-head northern bands show at the Cadet Hall.

Saturday brings a 10:00 a.m. craft fair at the curling rink, igloo building (check to see where at the Unikkarvik visitors centre or online) and tea and bannock-making competitions.

New this year is another country foods market scheduled to start at noon in the Nakasuk school parking lot as well as a seal celebration and feast there after the 5:00 p.m. seal skinning competition.

And if you come wearing your best sealskin clothes, you may win a prize.

The day wraps up with “Big Band” night — $50 a ticket, starting at 8:00 p.m. in the curling rink.

Sunday, dog team races start out on the sea ice at 10:00 a.m., followed by drag races at 11:00 a.m..

There’s also a Rotary Club brunch at 11:00 a.m. at Inuksuk High School, along with family ice golf on Toonik Lake, and a kids’ sliding party starting at noon on the Road to Nowhere.

The 7:00 p.m. there’s a Nunavut Literacy Council fundraising concert at the curling rink, $20 for adults, $5 for youth six to 12.

For more information about the schedule through to the closing ceremonies on Wednesday, April 20, stop by the Unikkarvik visitors centres or go to the official Toonik Tyme website.