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KELVINGTON — Members of the Kelvington Trailblazers Snowmobile Club say the annual Winter Spirit Snowmobile Derby held Feb. 7 was a great success, with the community rallying behind the club in a show of support.
There were 130 individuals who enjoyed the 100-km ride through the Porcupine Forest. Some riders chose shorter trails of 60, 70 or 80 km. Riders who braved the trail travelled from Regina, Southey, Hudson Bay, Melfort and the Kelvington area.
Prize money for the top three highest hands went to Chase Bernauer of Nipawin, who won $1,000; Sandy Reed of Kuroki, who won $500; and Doug Harris, who won $250.
Other winners included Kelly Minko, the farthest-away rider from Lloydminster; Donald Tjermstrom of Kuroki, 91, who won the oldest rider award; Trevor Olynick of Warman, who had the oldest sled, a 1991 Ski-Doo; and Tasha Lipinski of Humboldt, winner of the $10,320 50-50 raffle.
The day started with a pancake breakfast and registration, followed by the ride, supper and social evening.
“The community support was huge. Without them we would not have had such a successful derby,” said Bart Hartl, president. “There were over 300 people that attended the supper and with the support of local businesses, we showcased not only how great our community is but what our club is all about. It is not just about the derby, it is about our community and what we have to offer,” he said.
The club relies on community support, whether through monetary donations or volunteering. The trails were a little icy until riders reached the forest, where conditions improved.
“We are currently fundraising for a new groomer (Snow Cat), and the Kelvington Trail Blazers would like to acknowledge and thank Ted Cawkwell and Cawkwell Realty for their donation to replace the old warm-up shelter with a new one at Range Shelter along the Assiniboine River,” stated Hartl.
The club is responsible for grooming approximately 450 km of trail that runs from Kelvington to Wadena, Greenwater, Fishing Lake, Margo, Lintlaw and the Porcupine Forest.
