What started years ago as a friendly midweek canoeing competition between resort staffers on the Gunflint Trail has grown to be one of the most anticipated events of the summer—and one of the most successful fundraisers for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Don’t miss the food, the fun, the raffles and games on Wednesday, July 16.
Celebrate a North Woods tradition on July 16 at the Gunflint Lodge waterfront by attending the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races.
Everyone is welcome to compete in the various categories of 16 races during the evening. Bystanders can cheer on paddlers and enjoy the other activities.
Proceeds from the evening support the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department that supplies the Trail and beyond with fire, emergency and rescue services. The fire department has worked hard over the last years to update community centers/fire halls for its three stations and recently completed its building at the Seagull Lake station No. 3.
Last year the Canoe Races raised $12,500 for the fire department.
The Canoe Race evening begins at 4 p.m. and includes a many-item raffle at $2 per ticket; a raffle of a Wenonah Spirit II Royalex canoe donated by Wenonah Canoe Company of Winona (ticket price is $5 and the canoe will be displayed at Trail Center two weekends before the races); a silent auction with handmade and donated items; kid and adult events; and food service that starts at 4:30 p.m. featuring Canoe Race sloppy joes.
Races begin at 6 p.m. with the long distance race, followed by many age and gender competitions. The last race and highlight of the evening is gunnel pumping, where solo canoeists balance on the gunnels of the canoe and try to pump to victory over the finish line.
The evening is hosted by the Gunflint – Seagull – Saganaga Property Owners Associations and Chris Steele of Seagull Lake is this year’s chair. Call Julie Henricksson at 218-388- 2246 for more information.
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