On behalf of dozens of volunteers from up and down the Gunflint Trail, we are pleased to report that as a result of the annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races held on July 17, a donation of more than $12,500 has been made to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. The donation will help fund ongoing projects to upgrade the three critical fire halls and equipment on the Trail.
This event, entirely organized by volunteers, has been a summertime highlight on the Trail for decades. It continues to attract canoe racers young and older (a record 120 this year!), families with small children who love the minnow races, and bidders in the silent and live auctions looking to support the fire dept. and go home with a treasure.
Then there are raffle ticket sellers and holders who wait breathlessly to hear their name called for one or more of the 100-plus prizes and everyone who chows down on the specialties of the tent – homemade sloppy joes, vegetarian beans, and the ubiquitous cookies and bars which, of course, sold out completely.
Behind the scenes were the set-up and take-down crew, the race coordinators, the preparers and servers, raffle ticket sellers, neighbors and businesses throughout the county who donated raffle prizes, the local T-shirt and poster designer, and so many other supporters including this paper and all local media. All deserve thanks. Special thanks go to Sue and Bruce Kerfoot, who again generously donated their Gunflint Lodge waterfront…and so much more.
It takes more than 100 volunteers to make the canoe races a success. This year’s chairs, Margit and Jim Jamieson, made sure everything ran smoothly. If anyone is interested in volunteering for the 2014 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races supporting our essential volunteer fire department and rescue squad, please contact jmcjamieson@aol.com.
Vi Nelson
Gunflint Trail Canoe Races
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