July 21 was a perfect summer day: sunshine, a few clouds, moderate breeze and temperatures in the 70s, ideal for the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. Theevening event was again a winner with proceeds of $14,000 going to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to outfit their new tanker tender and to help fund bathrooms for the three Trail fire stations.
Winner of the canoe donated by Wenonah Canoes of Winona, Minnesota was Gunflint Lake cabin owner Jim Jamieson.
Thegenerosity of so many people made this North Woods festival possible: race paddlers, attendees, 80 red-shirted volunteers, businesses, lodges, outfitters, and citizens who donated raffle prizes, Wenonah Canoes, those who provided food items, Cook County News-Herald,
Boreal and WTIP which publicized the event and many others who supported the races. We thank them all.
Special thanks go to Gunflint Lodge for hosting the evening and to Trail Center for displaying the canoe rafflegrand prize. Thiswas a traditional North Woods get together with the chance to greet neighbors, make new friends and enjoy the northern Minnesota paddling tradition. Melissa Anderson and Tom Schank deserve a real pat on the back for chairing the event.
Julie Henricksson for
The Gunflint Trail Canoe Race
Committee
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