Paddlers dig in while competing at the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, July 21, bringing fun to the Gunflint Lodge waterfront from 4:00 p.m. to dusk. The races are not just fun—they are a fabulous fundraiser for the Gunflint Fire Department.
A tradition for over 30 years, the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races will offer an evening of Northwoods fun on Wednesday, July 21. The Gunflint Lodge waterfront will be buzzing with activity starting at 4 p.m. with food, games, socializing and of course—canoe racing.
Leading up to the Canoe Races, organizers have been busily devising interesting events, such as minnow races, a casting contest, putting green, an eating contest, and beanbag toss for the kids. They have also been selling raffle tickets–$2 for a multitude of great donated gifts or $5 for a chance on a canoe donated by the Wenonah Canoe Company of Winona, MN. Thecanoe can be seen at Trail Center Restaurant until the day of the races.
There will also be a silent auction featuring a lot of handmade items until 7:30 p.m.
Food service opens under a big tent (new this year!) at 4:30 p.m. with the famous Gunflint Trail sloppy joes, vegetarian calico beans, hot dogs, chips, veggie packs, home baked cookies and bars, ice cream bars, pop, lemonade and coffee.
At 5:30 the Eating Contest will begin—come out and cheer on your favorite contestant.
The raffles close at 6:00 p.m. and the canoe racing begins. Races start with a long distance race, followed by a variety of races for all ages and gender groups. The highlight of races is the last one—gunnel pumping, where canoeists stand on the gunnels and pump their canoes to the finish line.
Following the races, the canoe raffle winner will be announced.
Race proceeds benefit the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, which is made up of 32 trained and dedicated members who are on duty to provide for the public’s safety in event of fire, emergencies and rescues. Thedepartment has six trucks and one ambulance and the department’s new tanker will be on display at the races. Thisyear’s funds will go to equip the tanker and to add bathrooms to the three fire stations along the trail.
For further information, contact Canoe Race Chairs Tom Schank and Melissa Anderson at (218) 388-9495.
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