The volunteers behind Iqaluit’s Toonik Tyme won’t organize its popular snowmobile races to Kimmirut and back next year.

“We’re ready to pass the torch,” said Stephen Johnson, a spokesperson with 123Go!, the non-profit, volunteer-run organization responsible for the 61-year-old spring festival.

“We believe that the racing community is strong enough in its membership and supporters to organize the Kimmirut races in 2027.”

The four-member board, led by president Pitseolak Alainga, has co-ordinated the Kimmirut snowmobile race for the past eight years.

But the volunteer board is “tired,” Alainga said.

“It’s getting harder and harder every year to try and get things going.”

One thing that won’t change is Toonik Tyme’s free access to all its family-friendly events, said board member Robynn Pavia.

“We’re really passionate about youth and elders,” she said.

However, volunteers have families too, Alainga added.

“We all have children and grandchildren and we all have wives and husbands,” he said. “It would be nice to see younger people take over.”

More businesses need to step up and help out on day one, he said, adding that a number of businesses do answer the call.

Canadian North organizes children’s activities and contests, including an annual scavenger hunt.

“We’re so happy for them to be participating every year,” Alainga said.

Combustion Performance Inc. created the oval for this year’s children’s races, and Tom Fitzgerald Construction cleared an ice road and loaned some equipment for the adult races.

The City of Iqaluit, RCMP, Dominix Fire Protection & Services Inc., RL Hanson Construction Ltd., and Apex Quickstop also helped out.

This isn’t the first time Alainga has hinted at wanting a succession plan for the festival. In 2024, after receiving a Canada Post grant for Toonik Tyme, he told Nunatsiaq News he is looking for the younger generation to take the reins.

Alainga said he might step down as board president this year, depending on how many people join the board.

“That’s where we’re at right now,” he said.

The board will announce the date of its annual general meeting on Facebook in coming weeks.