It takes a village to run the canoe races. Top: A great volunteer team keeps the event running smoothly. Above: Margit Jamieson congratulates the winner of the Wenonah Spirit II canoe (thanks to his parents buying the raffle ticket) –Jaret Baker. Left: There was an exciting start to the long distance canoe race with a few of the paddlers taking a spill as they shoved off.
The annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races went on without a hitch in spite of threatening weather and a few showers on Wednesday, July 17. The waterfront at Gunflint Lodge was crowded with a record number of contending canoeists plus watchers who attended the fundraiser. As the result of the event, $12,000 was donated to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to support their emergency, rescue and fire services along the trail and beyond. The department is completing renovation and expansion of the three fire stations along the trail and the money is welcomed.
Who won the Wenonah Spirit 11 Royalex canoe? Jaret Baker who had been given a ticket by his parents, Shari and Bob Baker of Gunflint Pines, took home the grand prize, paddling his new canoe along the shore to get it home.
Many others carried home prizes from the many-item raffle donated by businesses and citizens in the area. Bidding at the auctions was lively for donations such as a beautiful handmade Gunflintfocused quilt donated by Bonnie Ward, a longtime visitor to the area; a wood chipper from Kyle Edlund of Saganaga; a fully outfitted canoe trip donated by Seagull Outfitters; two elegant dinners for eight hosted by Sally and Mike Valentini; and a historic gnome from Gallagher’s Island donated by Ed Stover.
Coordinator of the race competition, Arden Byers of Gunflint Lake, reported that conditions were ideal for races with calm seas and warm temperatures. Canoe Race chairs were Jim and Margit Jamieson of Gunflint Lake. Site hosts were Sue and Bruce Kerfoot of Gunflint Lodge. Gunflint – Seagull – Saganaga Property Owners associations provided Canoe Race volunteers.
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