It won’t be long before 100 to 150 people take to the trails on snowmobiles for the 14th annual fundraising effort for Easter Seals. Over this period, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have been the main sponsors of this event that has raised more than $370,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities. Holding up the Easter Seals sign is (from L-R) Frank Vecchio, Tony Swader, and Mary Ann Gagnon. In front are Rhonda Harrison, Emilie Pike, and Zachary Pylychuk.
Grab your helmets and winter gear because the coolest snowmobile event hits the trails on Saturday, February 11, kicking off the 2017 fundraising for Easter Seals Ontario. Once again, the Thunder Bay Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids will head south of the border to Grand Portage, only 45 minutes from Thunder Bay, attracting snowmobilers from across northwestern Ontario to Minnesota to enjoy some of the finest groomed trails in northern Minnesota.
“This is the 14th year of this event, and we feel very privileged to have such dedicated support from Grand Portage Lodge and Casino along with the other local sponsors and riders who make this event a big success year after year,” says Carol Lloyd, president and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario.
Last year between 125 and 130 riders turned out for the event, said Tony Swader, who is in his 11th year helping to coordinate the ride.
“The riders will leave here about 8 a.m. and go to Sky Port Lodge, eat and then return here. It’s about 70 miles one way, so they won’t make it back until mid-afternoon,” he said. “There will also be a short ride of about 35 miles on the reservation open to the public. We will meet at Trail Center (6 miles up the Mineral Center Road) and have a bonfire and serve hot chocolate. We had a really nice turnout last year. It was a lot of fun.”
Snowarama is truly a family event: participants enjoy a complimentary dinner and a Saturday night entertainment. Minnesota trail permits are $36 (available at Ryden’s 66) and will be required for those who venture off the Grand Portage Reservation trails. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Trail Riders and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa generously sponsor the event.
To celebrate the 14th year at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, with every $100 in pledges participants raise, they will receive a ballot to win 1 of 14 Snowarama gifts, including two trips to Las Vegas, the Edge Water Park Package, Hollow Rock rental and many more.
To date Snowarama has raised over $370,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities. Funds raised at Snowarama help provide financial support for children with physical disabilities for essential mobility and communication equipment and fully accessible summer camping opportunities.
“Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be successful without the support of the local snowmobiling community,” said Rhonda Harrison, senior development officer with Easter Seals. “Together we are helping kids be kids,” she added.
For more information or to donate, visit www.snowarama.org
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