Top: The action was wet and wild as the canoe racers took off during the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races held on Wednesday, July 19 at Gunflint Lodge. Left: As always there was a good turnout of folks who watched and cheered on the race participants. Above: Food, dished by volunteers, is always a big attraction at the races.
The 40th anniversary Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, held July 19 on the shore at Gunflint Lodge, raised more than $20,000 for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD).
The funds will be used to support the 12 volunteer EMTs, EMRs, fire trucks, ambulances and three fire halls along the Trail. “We really appreciate,” said GTVFD Chief Jim Morrison, “the hard work of the many volunteers and visitors at the Races that help us improve the department every year.”
Some of the highlights of this year’s Gunflint Trail Canoe Races include: . Canoe races for multiple ages and abilities provided the action the crowd needed to cheer on their favorite teams. Many of the Gunflint Trail resorts and outfitters participated, making it a lively competition. The Bultina family won the Canoe Tug-of-War, after a good fight from seven other teams. . The food tent was always busy, offering traditional Canoe Races Sloppy Joes, vegetarian beans, hot dogs, veggie sticks and Happy Anniversary cake for everyone. . More than 100 raffle prizes donated by businesses on the Trail and in town were announced during the evening. Special thanks to Seagull Outfitters, Grand Marais Hotel Co., and Nace Hagemann Photography for their generous donations totaling almost $2,000. . The silent auction featured homemade items, carvings, jewelry, art and a special homeowner’s bundle. In the live auction, a handmade quilt by Bonnie Ward, special dinners and a sailing on the Hjordis schooner donated by North House Folk School raised several thousand dollars. . The 40th anniversary commemorative T-shirt sold out long before the last race. . Last but not least, Margit Jamieson of Gunflint Lake held the lucky $5 raffle ticket that won the Current Designs Solara 120 kayak.
An active committee of the Gunflint-Seagull- Saganaga Property Owners Associations organizes the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. This year’s chairman, Arden Byers of Gunflint Lake, notes, “the Races are a true expression of how the Gunflint Trail community works together to make living in the wilderness better for residents and visitors. We are always looking for volunteers and I encourage anyone interested in participating to contact me at 218-388-9475.”
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