|
|
Snowmobilers will hit the trails on February 11, 2023, for the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids. Once again, the Thunder Bay Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids will head south of the border to Grand Portage, only 45 minutes from Thunder Bay, attracting snowmobilers from across northwestern Ontario and Minnesota to enjoy some of the finest groomed trails in northern Minnesota.
“Glad to see Snowarama back, and the trails should be in excellent shape,” says Bob Vogel from the Grand Portage Trail Riders.
“For over four decades, Easter Seals has proudly worked with local partners to continue this time-honored community event started by famous wrestler and dedicated Easter Seals champion Whipper Billy Watson,” says Kevin Collins, President & CEO of Easter Seals Ontario. “We are grateful for the continued dedication and participation of the Thunder Bay community and surrounding areas. Through your generosity, we are able to grow this legacy together and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of Easter Seals children and families.”
One veteran of the Snowarama is especially happy to be back and participate. For Emily Pike, age 12, this will be her eighth Snowarama. The seventh grader attends Pope John Paul School in Thunder Bay. When asked what she liked most about the day, she exclaimed, “My whole family takes part. Well, five of us take part. Anyway, It’s fun to ride on the snowmobile,” she said.
Emily will also pull the winning tickets in the drawing held at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino after the conclusion of the day on the trails.
Easter Seals Ontario Senior Development Officer Rhonda Harrison said the relaxed border restriction between the two countries due to the covid pandemic has really helped. “It’s great to be back,” she said, adding that the Snowarama was held as a virtual event in 2021. “Folks are excited to have this event back and look forward to turning out for the day.”
This will be Harrison’s 17th Snowarama. “Grand Portage has been our sponsor for the last 18 years. They have done a tremendous job,” Harrison said.
All Snowarama participants will enjoy a complimentary dinner and live Saturday night entertainment featuring Smoke House. Snowarama is truly a family event: participants can enjoy the trails, a bonfire, and prizes throughout the weekend. Minnesota trail permits are $51 (available at Ryden’s 66) and will be required for those riders who venture off the Grand Portage Reserve trails. Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, the Grand Portage Trail Riders, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa generously sponsor the event. To celebrate the 18th year at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, with every $100 participants raise, they will receive a ballot to win Snowarama prize packages.
Over the past 17 years, the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $540,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities. Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the local snowmobiling community. The funds raised from this fun-filled event go a long way towards purchasing assistive mobility equipment and communications devices and paying for summer camp for kids with physical disabilities.
“Together we are helping kids BE KIDS,” Harrison said. . For more information, to register or to donate, visit Snowarama.org.
Leave a Reply