While it may take a village to raise a child, it took a generous community of about 100 woods-dwellers to organize, cook, donate, coordinate, sell and manage the 40th Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races on July 19th.
From selling T-shirts and raffle tickets (often in the rain and/or mosquitos at Trail Center) to those who bought tickets—it took a dedicated community. From preparing the legacy Sloppy Joes to the commemorative 40th anniversary cake and the ladies who served them, the food tent volunteers made a vital contribution to the event.
Thanks to businesses and residents along the Trail and in town for generous donations to the silent and live auctions. By night’s end, we were able to donate $22,000 to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Special thanks to John and Mindy Frederickson, for again providing the scenic venue at Gunflint Lodge. So many others should be thanked but you know who you are and why you volunteer. I must thank my wife Carol who put up with a lot, along with helping a lot.
Now it is time to look ahead.
Will the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races continue in 2018 and beyond?
That’s up to the community. Those who have spent many years planning and executing the Races are seeking “new blood” to carry on this illustrious Gunflint Trail tradition.
Is it your turn to step up and volunteer? Are you able to assist our event leaders to learn the ropes? If so, please contact me at 218-288-9475 or by email at acloons@yahoo.com.
Arden Byers
for the Gunflint Lake and
The Seagull-Saganaga
Property Owners Associations
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