ARCOLA - The Arcola Optimist Club's Snowmobile Rally is a staple event for the community..
Their 31st annual rally was held Jan. 27 and is known to happen the last Saturday in January each year, with the gathering place at Arcola's Prairie Place Complex.
This winter did not produce the much-needed snow for the rally and the trails were not set up for a ride or rest stop due to this, but the rally occurred regardless of the lack of snow.
The morning began with a pancake breakfast served by the Arcola and R.M. of Brock Volunteer Fire Department. They fed over 100 people in two hours.
Registration started shortly afterwards, and even though only a few went to the hills with their sleds, over 400 people registered. All ages could take part in the event. Event chairman and club member Geordon Workman said people came and went throughout the day.
Workman also said this event sees a great deal of support from the area. This is what makes this event so successful.
The rally does not consist of just riding snowmobiles. There was a 50/50 draw, the lottery raffle, a riders' raffle and door raffles.
They had plenty to do for children, with a kids' zone at the arena in the afternoon.This gave youngsters skating and glow skating. Wearing white or bright clothing made the colours jump out. Karaoke, face painting and games also happened.
“The kids' zone was well attended,” said Workman.
In the hall for the afternoon, the people who remained were entertained by Jacquie Walbaum and a guest. Workman said the afternoon was quieter.
Lunch offered soup and sandwiches, while supper had pork roast, baked potatoes, salad and dessert. This was provided by the Carlyle District Food Bank.
As people returned late in the afternoon, it soon became time for the raffle draws.
For the riders' raffle, over $20,000 in prizes was offered, and the winner of the 50/50 draw for $2,435 was McKenna Harkness from Arcola.
A lottery raffle gave the winner the opportunity to shop at Schrader’s Motors in Yorkton.
First place, which was a $20,000 voucher, went to Greg Johnston of Kisbey. Second place for a $6,000 voucher was taken by Mick Cornwell of Kisbey and the $4,000 third-place voucher was won by Barry Gervais of Estevan.
People stuck around to enjoy the social and a few beverages, said Workman.
Workman and the Arcola Optimist Club are thankful to all the people who once again supported the event, through sponsorship, sellingand buying tickets, volunteering and anything else that helps in the success of this event.
They look forward to seeing everyone in 2025 and they hope that this time they will have the much-needed snow for the sleds to hit the trails.
