True North strong and free

Young Sam and George Sherlock sit in the sunshine outside the new arena in Iqaluit July 1. George wears a white vest emblazoned with a red maple leaf and both boys sport hats made from paper flags.

Sam and George were but two of the hundreds who came out Monday for a pancake breakfast and flea market in Iqaluit in celebration of Canada’s 135th birthday.

Crystal Jones, with her hair pulled back and her arms up to the elbows in a bowl of pancake batter, beams with excitement. Jones, the city’s recreation coordinator, along with a four-person Canada Day committee, planned the event that had people lining up before the doors opened at 9 a.m.

“It’s a huge success so far,” she says, laughing. “It’s showing what’s yet to come.”

Shortly after 10 a.m., Jones says, between 200 and 250 had been served and the pancake mix was running a little short.

The flea market, run by the Iqaluit Music Society, had something for everyone, including Eliza Kingdon.

Decked out in head-to-toe maple leaf gear, Kingdon explains she has been on the Canada Day committee for seven years, “And I just love Canada.”

Jon Cruz and Tina Rose sit near the entrance doors, wearing Canada Day 2002 T-shirts and painting the faces of willing children.

As he paints red designs on the face of 10-year-old Simionie Joamie, Cruz explains he is up from South where he studies animation.

“Yeah, this is fun,” he said smiling.

A three-on-three basketball tournament in front of Nakasuk School occupied some while a parade, organized by Heritage Canada, began from Inuksuk High School.

A variety of floats, most decorated with red and white, wove through the downtown streets, while float riders tossed candy to the crowds lining the streets.

The food continued back at the curling rink, where a band played as people stood in line waiting for hotdogs. Awards were given out for best costumes and outstanding contributions by youth, and some recent Canadian citizens reaffirmed their oaths.

Many milled about outside the fire hall where the trucks were out on display in the sun. Bowls of chili kept tummies from rumbling and helped build energy for those competing in the bench press.

People picnicked and barbecued throughout the city during the day and the evening was capped off with musical entertainment at the curling rink.