In addition to the perfect weather, the Gunflint Canoe Races attendees enjoyed a great north woods celebration on July 16!
Who made it so special? Volunteers! About 100 of them worked together to raise $16,000 to help fund the work of the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department which provides fire, emergency and rescue services along the trail and beyond. The updated Fire Department fire halls and community centers have been well used for events at the stations on the trail.
It takes a lot of time and effort to organize the annual summer races at Gunflint Lodge. Sue and Bruce Kerfoot again offered their lakefront site for another successful event. Enthusiastic paddlers provided great competition for 16 races arranged by the race committee.
Volunteers worked from the early summer distributing posters, selling tickets for the Wenonah canoe raffle and over 100 other prizes. Live and silent auctions were organized. Food concession donations and servers provided tasty dinners. Site preparation and many more behind–the-scenes preparations for the big day needed to be done.
The help of media: newspaper, Internet and radio was much appreciated. Many others offered their time and effort.
Thanks to all who participated to make it a wonderful and profitable evening, especially Canoe Race Chair Chris Steele of Seagull Lake. Those who would like to help with the 2015 Canoe Races should plan to volunteer next summer.
Julie Henricksson for the
2014 Gunflint Canoe Races Committee
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