The action was fast and furious at the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races held Wednesday, July 18. There were 15 canoe races for the different age groups and abilities of the paddlers, a silent auction for many homemade items, a raffle for a Solara Kayak 120, and an auction for a one-of-akind quilt that brought in $1,000. All of the proceeds go to the Gunflint Trail Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Vi Nelson
A postcard-perfect day on Gunflint Lake brought several hundred people up the Gunflint Trail on July 18 for the 2018 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races at Gunflint Lodge. The 41st event raised more than $24,000 for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD), a sizable sum for this annual afternoon created and executed by volunteers from up and down the Gunflint Trail.
The funds will be used to support the volunteer EMTs, EMRs, fire trucks, ambulances and three fire halls along the Trail.
“We sure appreciate,” said GTVFD Chief Jim Morrison, “the hard work and contributions of the many volunteers and visitors that help us improve the department every year.”
The 15 canoe races for multiple ages and abilities provided just the action the crowd needed to cheer on their favorite racers. Many of the Gunflint Trail resorts and outfitters participated, making for a lively competition that ended with the infamous gunnel-pumping races for the strongest gals and guys on the Trail.
The food tent, offering a new menu including on-site smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches along with salads, baked beans, chips and lots of cookies, was sold out before the last race. Another sell-out was the snappy plum-raisin souvenir races tee-shirt, also worn by the many, many volunteers who helped make the evening a success.
The silent auction featured homemade items, carvings, birdhouses, photos and paintings of woodland animals and landscapes brought out generous bidders. The live auction brought out high bidders for a one-of-a-kind Gunflint Trail quilt, created by Carol Harris and Fran Smith from the logo shirts of resorts along the Trail.
Last but not least, Jerry Caple of Gunflint Lake held the lucky $5 raffle ticket that won the Current Designs Solara 120 Kayak.
An active steering committee of the Gunflint- Seagull-Saganaga Property Owners Associations organized the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races with help from the Mid-Trail Owners. Visit Cook County and WTIPNorth Shore Radio, broadcasting live from the races, also helped make the races such a success this year.
Steering committee members included: John and Mindy Fredrickson, owners of Gunflint Lodge; Bob Baker, Sr., Arden Byers, Vi Nelson, John and Rose Schloot, Cindy Imsdahl Ceo, Sally and Michael Valentini and Fran Smith.
This year’s chairman, Bob Baker, Sr. of Gunflint Lake concluded, “the races are a true example of how our Gunflint Trail community works together to make living in the wilderness better for residents and visitors alike.”
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