The Gunflint Trail Canoe Races held on the Gunflint Lodge waterfront on Wednesday, July 20 were once again a huge success. The weather was so hot that paddlers that ended up in the water didn’t mind at all! Above: New this year was the first annual Tug-of-Waron Canoes between U.S. Forest Service and Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department personnel. The winner of the event dubbed “Paddle Hard—Go Nowhere” was the Gunflint Fire Department team of Quinn McCloughan and Bill Middlesworth. Left: One of the most popular events to watch—and most challenging for participants—is the Gunnel Pumping race.
With temperatures soaring well into the 80s and the threat of a storm hanging over the woods, more than 300 folks from up and down the Gunflint Trail and town gathered at Gunflint Lodge on July 20 for the 39th running of the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races to benefit the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD).
The Canoe Races committee, headed by Gunflint Lake resident Arden Byers, has announced that more than $29,000 would be donated to the GTVFD for their new fire truck and ongoing maintenance of equipment and supplies. According to Byers, “this is a community event in the woods that means so much to everyone on the Trail. Without our fire department and rescue squad, we would all face grave danger in storms, fires or health-related incidents. We are thankful for all the GTVFD volunteers and happy to do whatever we can to provide them with what they need to protect us.”
Begun in 1976 as a fundraiser to send locals to Washington, D.C. on BWCA issues, the Canoe Races have become a highlight of the July social calendar on the Trail.
In addition to canoe races for all ages, skills and motivation, the event offered attendees a food tent filled with traditional homemade goodies—from the exclusive Canoe Races Sloppy Joes to veggie sticks and Rice Krispies treats, no one left hungry.
The silent auction showcased the many talents of Trail locals – from pottery to wood carving, knitted or crocheted afghans and more. And the live auction, in the capable hands of Michael Valentini, produced big bucks for a dinner at Gallagher’s Island on Magnetic Lake and a handmade quilt by Bonnie Ward depicting scenes of life on the Trail.
Lots more goodies were on display under a tent on the Gunflint Lodge patio including about 100 raffle prizes donated by local businesses, restaurants and volunteers. The big raffle prize, announced at the end of the races, was a red and white Current Designs Kestrel 120 kayak, donated by Mike Cichanowski of Wenonah Canoe worth $2,100! The lucky winner was Mike Patterson from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
On to the Races!
There were 17 in all including long distance, all ages, backwards paddle, solo and the clincher—the Gunnel Pumping race, a true challenge of balance and steering.
The kick-off to the races offered the newest attraction— the first annual Tugof War-on-Canoes between the U.S. Forestry and the GTVFD personnel. And the winner was the GTVFD team of Quinn McCloughan and Bill Middlesworth.
The Gunflint Trail Canoe Races also welcomed Mindy and John Fredrikson, the new owners of the historic Gunflint Lodge. John noted, “We were thrilled for the opportunity to help with such a great event supporting this important cause. We also enjoyed meeting so many of our new neighbors and look forward to hosting the Canoe Races for many more years to come.”
And so, another Gunflint Trail Canoe Races came to an end with the spectacular thunder and lightning show and storm that followed early on July 21 and adding a final touch of excitement to this year’s event.
If you are interested in volunteering for the 2017 40th running of the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, please call Arden Byers at 218- 388-9475.
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