ARCOLA - The Arcola Optimist Club’s 30th anniversary snowmobile rally was held on Jan. 28, with the starting point at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex.
Approximately 80 kilometres of trails were used by the rally, with trails being groomed and maintained by the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club.
According to chairman Geordan Workman, the Moose Mountain club does a great deal of work to keep these trails in top condition for everyone to enjoy throughout the winter.
Breakfast marked the beginning of the event, which started at 8 a.m. at the complex. The meal was served by the Town of Arcola and RM of Brock Volunteer Fre Department. They served up some pancakes, eggs and ham.
By the time noon rolled around, nearly 400 riders had registered and were ready to hit the trails. Once registered, the riders could go at any time.
Workman felt this was an excellent turnout, considering the temperatures for the day.
According to Arcola Optimist Club president Blake Brownridge, due to the extreme cold, riders might have decided to go quickly through the trails.
Arcola Agencies remained open for the Saturday morning to give those a chance to licence their sleds, so they could still enter. All machines on the trails had to be registered.
All precautions were taken on the trails to ensure a safe trip. No drugs or alcohol were allowed and there was no stopping on the trail. Halfway through the ride ,a check point was set up for hot chocolate, snacks and a fire pit.
Each rider needed to purchase their ticket in the rally to be eligible to ride and for the prizes drawn at 5 p.m.
For those who did not wish to ride the trail, they could gather at the complex for a social as the beer gardens opened at 1 p.m.
Over 100 businesses sponsored this large event, helping to make it the success it was.
Saskatchewan YouTube personality Quick Dick McDick went on stage to a full house later in the afternoon. His routine is usually based on Canadian politics and farming issues. McDick is also a farmer in Saskatchewan.
At 5 p.m. the rider draws were made for the $18,000 in prizes. The 50/50 draw, raffle draws and the annual Snowmobile Rally Lottery followed.
A concession and supper at the complex were prepared by the Carlyle and District Foodbank.
Money raised from this event will go towards upgrades at the Arcola Optimist-Legion Hall, sound upgrades at the Mac Murray Theatre, which is also run by the club, and the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club.
Brownridge said the next event they have planned is a Valentines dinner and movie at the Optimist-Legion Hall on Feb. 14. Dinner will be a prime rib steak.
