ARCOLA - A total of 446 snowmobile owners registered for the 32nd annual snowmobile rally in Arcola on Jan. 25.
This is the largest number ever registered for the event, with some of the enthusiastic riders travelling several hours to enjoy the day.
The weather was nearly perfect, with the sun shining and a slight breeze which had many of the riders hitting the 80 kilometres of trails.
It takes a great deal of work to prepare the trails, and four groomer operators made sure the trails were ready.
Douglas Ilchuk celebrated his 70th birthday running the groomer into Arcola for the Optimist rally.
Trails are marked and signs are placed at the shelters if one might forget their way home. There is always a stack of wood to light a fire.
Jeff Bohnert is the president of the Optimist club, replacing Blake Brownridge, who stepped down after 10 years of service.
Brownridge is still with the organization but is now the lieutenant governor for Zone 8, overseeing five clubs in the south. He is readily available for the clubs if they have questions or concerns.
Mike Boulet is the secretary-treasurer, and he said the event went well.
Before the event began, the club purchased raffle prizes associated with being out on a sled, including suits, helmets, wood pellet stoves or boots.
The prizes are drawn when the riders come back from out on the trails.
Throughout the day, people came to the complex, enjoyed a refreshment and socialized while the kids went to the arena side to have a Nerf war on ice or public skating.
A snowmobile cookie decorating contest took place, while other kids enjoyed having their faces painted, adding tinsel to their hair and later having a kid’s karaoke.
During the afternoon, Jacquie Walbaum from Forget entertained those who decided not to go out on the trails.
The excitement grew when it was time for the draws. Prairie Wind Recreation from Weyburn was the major sponsor this year for the vouchers.
The first prize of a $20,000 voucher to Prairie Wind was won by Brian Seeman of Lampman, second prize of a $6,000 voucher went to Ken and Denise Young of Alameda, and third place of a $4,000 voucher was won by Colton Tocher of Weyburn.
Supper included pulled pork, chili and all the fixings that fed approximately 330 people.
Boulet wanted to send out a big thank you to Cathy Burton and Vanessa Dahl for all their help with the rally.
Months before the event, tickets were handed out to organizations that are willing to sell them and the clubs receive a donation for their help.
Proceeds are going towards the following groups and projects: the Health Care recruitment committee scholarship, the Mac Murray Theatre upgrades, new seating at the rink and upgrades at the Town of Arcola Playpark.
Other groups that will benefit are the Vipers Volleyball Club, S.E. Storm Volleyball Club, Moose Mountain Karate Club, Moose Mountain Wildlife, Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club and Arcola Curling Club.
Inclusion Weyburn, the Lampman branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Arcola Figure Skating Club, Arcola Daycare, Minor Hockey and Lampman Travel Club will also benefit from the proceeds.
The Arcola Optimist Club thanks all their sponsors for their support in helping to make this a successful event.
The Arcola Optimist Club looks forward to seeing everyone next year at their 33rd annual rally.
