Parades, parlaks and prizes in store for Nunavut holidays

As cozy darkness envelopes Nunavut, festive cheer shines bright in the territory’s two largest municipalities as each plans a parade for festive fun — Saturday in Iqaluit and New Year’s Eve in Rankin Inlet.

Saturday’s Santa Claus Parade in Iqaluit is expected to be bigger and bolder this year than before.

“We’ve made progress in attracting more community-based groups,” said city spokesperson Geoffrey Byrne in an email.

This year’s event has ballooned to 14 floats compared to 10 last year.

“We continue to encourage all community organizations, residents and businesses to take part,” Byrne said.

There’s an incentive to enter, with prizes this year for Best in Show, Most Spirited, and Youth Float.

Members of the Nunavut Employees Union are not vying for any prizes, said union vice-president Amanda Arsenault.

“We will have Christmas music, an inflatable polar bear and lots of Christmas cheer,” she said. “We are really just getting out to support our members and bring cheer to the community — as long as we can keep that Grinch away.”

Nunavut Animal Rescue plans to feature a surefire combination of attractions for the crowd.

“We will be handing out candy and will have dogs with us,” said spokesperson Kristen Haven.

Canadian North is working on a float this week, as well, said airline spokesperson Hance Colburne.

Approximately eight city staff will assist with parade logistics.

Iqaluit’s parade begins at the Arctic Winter Games Arena at noon on Saturday.

For anyone not in Iqaluit or unable to attend the parade, they can watch live and share likes and comments on the city’s Facebook page.

Drivers are cautioned to keep an eye out for pedestrians and to maintain clear roadways, Byrne said.

“Dress warmly, have fun, stay alert for moving vehicles, and keep an eye out for flying candy,” he said.

The Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures of about -23 C and a mainly sunny day.

In Rankin Inlet, the municipality is forgoing the Santa theme in favour of a New Year’s Eve event, said fire Chief Mark Wyatt.

“We currently do the New Year’s Eve motorcade parade led by the fire department and follow that up with an awesome fireworks display,” he said.