Gunflint Lake was getting pretty choppy by the time it came to the men’s solo paddle race at the Gunflint Canoe Races on Wednesday, July 20. A threatening storm cancelled more racing, but a good time was still had by all on shore. See more canoe race fun on page A3.
Although an approaching storm meant no gunnel racing at the Wednesday, July 20 Gunflint-Seagull-Sag Canoe Races, the races that did take place were enjoyed by all. As were all the lakeside activities.
There was delicious food of course, including the famous Gunflint Trail sloppy joes and fixings. And again this year there were eating contests, with a twist.
In addition to a contest to see who could eat the most creampuffs—the winners were Ben Mommer and Katelyn Dold of Seagull Outfitters—there was a contest among several Gunflint businesses, to see which creampuff competitor could raise the most money leading up to the canoe races. Clearwater Lodge, Trail Center, Seagull Outfitters, and Gunflint Lodge all had donation boxes in the weeks before the contest. Bonnie Schudy and Lance Huskey of Gunflint Lodge were the top fundraisers. The eating contest wasn’t just funny—it raised a whopping $1,315 for the Gunflint Fire Department.
Raffles also raise money for the fire department and the grand prize was a Wenonah Spirit II Royalex canoe donated by Wenonah Canoe Company of Winona, Minnesota. The lucky raffle winner was Matt Erickson of Rockford, Illinois.
It was hard to count the happy crowd, but it is estimated that about 300 people hung out at the Gunflint-Seagull-Sag Canoe Races on Wednesday, July 20. Racing was cut short because of the threat of lightning, but the fun continued on shore. Proceeds of the event support the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.
Melissa Anderson and Tom Shank were chairs of this year’s canoe races and Anderson reports that the event raised $14,500 for the Gunflint Fire Department.
The Gunflint-Seagull-Saganaga property owners associations sponsor the races. Race proceeds go to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, which is made up of 35 trained and dedicated members who provide safety along the Trail in event of fire, emergencies and rescues. This year’s funds will go to add bathrooms and storage space to the three fire stations, provide funds to match grants for another tanker tender and fund training costs and equipment for expanded search and rescue responsibilities.
Anderson and Shank pass off the canoe race chair duties to Jim and Margit Jamison next year. Melissa Anderson said thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make the event a success. “It takes approximately 110 volunteers to pull this all off,” she said. “Thank you to them all.”
This tire swing—a Gunflint moose, of course—was donated by Martha James. It was a hot item on the live auction emceed by Michael Valentini, going to Margie and Jo Grinnell of Loon Lake.
Gunflint Canoe Races results
Long Distance
1st Victor Bohnen & Jake Bendel
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Alex & Steve Bultera
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd John Juran & Zack Dickhausen
Wilderness Canoe Base
Regular paddling 10-16 AL
1st Evan & Justin Hawley
Panda Drive
2nd Will Gillette & Isak Preus
Heston’s Lodge
3rd Jaret Baker & Frankie Miller
Gunflint Pines Resort
Regular paddling Adult & Child to 13
1st Dave & Will Seaton
Hungry Jack Outfitters
2nd Claire Sherburne & Victor Bohnen
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Tessa Olson & Abby Prom
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Regular paddling 13-29 Women
1st Amy Peterson & Rachel Bohnen
Adventurous Christians
2nd Tessa Olson & Jessie Montgomery
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Paige Thornton & Cassie Vogt
Bearskin Lodge
Regular paddling 13-29 Men
1st Kris Schultz & Victor Bohnen
Adventurous Christians
2nd John Juran & Zac Dickhausen
Wilderness Canoe Base
3rd Kent Kaiser & John Eloranta
Gunflint Lodge
Regular paddling 30 And Ov er All
1st Kaitlin & Bob McCloughan
Bearskin Lodge
2nd Patty Johnson & Mike Crook
3rd Ron Karczewski & Louis Heurvey
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Regular paddling 13-29 Mixed
1st Curtis Blake & Jamie Fisher
Seagull Fishing Camp & Tuscarora
2nd Sherri Prom & Jake Bendel
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Jennifer Thomas & Chad Goodale
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Backward paddle 10-16 All
1st Abby Prom & Alex Bultena
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Austin & Clair Sherburne
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Rolf & Kari Preus
Heston’s Lodge
Backward paddle Adult & Child to 13
1st Josh Prom & Kris Schultz
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Dave & Will Seaton
Hungry Jack Outfitters
3rd Steve & Nick Bultena
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Backward paddle 13-29 Women
1st Tessa Olson & Jen Thomas
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Kristin Ostrowski & Jessie Montgomery
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Katie Vandeboomen & Sherri Prom
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Backward paddle 13-29 Men
1st Curtis Blake & Lance Huskey
Seagull Creek Fishing Camp & Gunflint Lodge
2nd Alex & Austin Bultena
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Pete Keltz & Carl Hoag
Tuscarora Outfitters & Hungry Jack Lodge
Backward paddle 30 And Ov er ALL
1st Monica & Steve Bultena
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Fred Watson & Susan Alexander
East Bearskin
3rd Patty Johnson & Mike Crook
Backward paddle 13-29 MIXED
1st Maggie Harings & Curtis Blake
Tuscarora Lodge & Seagull Creek Fishing Camp
2nd Shelby & Daniel Ahrendt
Tuscarora Outfitters
3rd Jamie Fisher & Aaron Mueller
Tuscarora Lodge & Seagull Creek Fishing Camp
Solo WO MEN
1st Tessa Olson
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
2nd Jessica Montgomery
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd Katie Vandenboomen
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Solo MEN
1st Fred Watson
East Bearskin
2nd Victor Bohnen
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
3rd John Eloranta
Gunflint Lodge
There is something for all ages—kids have a great time at the minnow racing.
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