The Gunflint Lodge waterfront was alive with activity on July 20 in spite of early morning torrential rains and hot temperatures. The Gunflint Trail Canoe Races were in progress with crowds on hand to take part in the Trail’s top summer event. The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department was awarded the evening’s proceeds of $14,500 to be used for station improvements including bathrooms and storage at stations, funding to receive grants for another tanker tender, funds for training and equipment.
The Race Committee wants to thank all those who supported the event. Many people contributed to a fun-filled evening. The canoeists paddled enthusiastically in the many races. (The race schedule was shortened because of lightning over Gunflint Lake.) Those who attended urged the paddlers on. There were 110 willing volunteers working on the many events. Trail and Grand Marais businesses and residents contributed raffle items, and special thanks go to Wenonah Canoes of Winona, MN, which donated the canoe. Media support by the Cook County News- Herald, Highway 61, WTIP, Boreal Access and others was appreciated greatly.
The organization skills of Race Committee Chairs Melissa Anderson and Tom Schank made the event move smoothly.
We thank the whole community for supporting the Fire Department which serves 192 square miles of territory up and around the Trail with stations at mid-traill, Gunflint Lake and Seagull Lake.
We invite everyone to come again next year and bring friends, neighbors and visitors.
Julie Henricksson
Gunflint Trail Canoe Race
Committee
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