The Gunflint Lodge waterfront is normally a fairly quiet place but for the 2012 Gunflint Canoe Races, the lakeshore was packed with excited people who came to watch the paddlers. It didn’t hurt that the weather was absolutely perfect, said Ronnie Smith, who has been race coordinator for eight years now.
The Gunflint Canoe Races on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 saw the largest number of racers ever. One of the race organizers, Julie Henricksson said, “Perfect weather added to the well attended evening.”
Henricksson reported that the Canoe Race committee was was able to donate $14,300 to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to upgrade their facilities at the three stations. “It took a whole community to make the event happen,” said Henricksson.
She added that the whole celebration was chaired by Margit and Jim Jamieson who are the vicepresidents of the Gunflint Lake Property Owners Association. Margit had the honor of drawing the ticket for the winner of the Wenonah Spirit 11 Royalex canoe. A very happy Karen Reilly of Rochester, MN was present to accept the grand prize.
In addition to the raffle, there were games and contests and of course the canoe races, which are enjoyed by paddlers and fans alike.
Gunnel pumping is one of the most interesting events in the canoe races. This young man shows great form in the crazy contest that has racers standing on the gunnels of the canoe and rocking to move forward. None of the women gunnel pump racers completed the race as the wind picked up and pushed them off course and they were not able to get through the race buoys. Everyone had fun trying though!
The joy of the race is apparent in this photo of a racer coming back to shore. There were a record number of racers this year.
Adding to the fun was music from Jerry Thilmay on accordion.
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