Following a successful 2017 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races that raised more than $22,000 for the Gunflint Trail Fire Department, Canoe Races in 2018 were doubtful. It seemed no one was willing to take over the organization of the races and those who have done so for many years were ready to relinquish the reins.
At last, Bob Baker Sr. of Gunflint Lake stepped up to take those reins and announced at last Friday’s Gunflint Lake Property Owners Association (GLPOA) meeting that he had formed a Race Leadership Team to bring back the Races next year. The broad-reaching community effort takes many volunteers. Each team leader will look for help from others in the Gunflint and Seagull/Sag Property Owners associations. All working volunteers will again receive a complimentary souvenir 2018 Canoe Races T-shirt for their efforts.
The leadership team includes Food, Gunflint Lodge and Don Kufahl; Marketing, Vi Nelson; Raffle/Silent Auctions, Sally and Michael Valentini; Races, Arden Byers. Bob also announced that the kayak raffle will continue in 2018 while the general raffle will be eliminated. Other events to streamline the event will be instituted.
Arden Byers was named president of the GLPOA after two years as VP. Bruce Fillips was named VP and Fran Smith will continue to serve as secretary/treasurer. At the conclusion of the meeting, Byers asked the more than 60 members attending the potluck/meeting to contact him at 218-388-9475 with any suggestions for other events and activities in which the association can participate.
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