ARCOLA - For 30 years, the Arcola Optimist Club has hosted its annual snowmobile rally, and this year looks promising for good snow.
According to Geordan Workman, a 10-year member of the Arcola Optimist Club and the snowmobile rally committee chairman, it gets better each year.
Last year the Arcola Optimist Club’s snowmobile rally saw $67,000 donated to local organizations.
The event will be held on Jan. 28, beginning at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex.
Breakfast will begin at 8 a.m., served by the Arcola and R.M. of Brock Volunteer Fire Departments.
Registration will run from 10 a.m. until noon, and then it will be time to ride the trails, but one can also hang out at the complex. Not everyone who registers wants to go out on the trails. Many come out for the social aspect.
Approximately 300 riders took part in the rally last year, but there have been years in which over 500 riders came to enjoy the day.
Workman said having 300-plus riders makes for a great event, but they always hope for more to attend.
The trail is 80 kilometres long. Some riders go through it in a couple of hours, while others may take five or six hours to complete it.
Along the trail will be stops for snacks with hot chocolate, and once back at the complex, the beer gardens will be open.
The annual rally lottery is also a huge part of this event. There are only 4,000 tickets available and over $30,000 in prizes are up for grabs, with the winners announced at 5:30 p.m.
New this year is the rally 50/50 draw. This is only available online and it’s as simple as scanning the QR code. Eight thousand tickets are available with the proceeds going towards upgrades to the sound system at the Mac Murray Theatre, which is run by the Optimist club and a big part of Arcola. The draw will take place at 6 p.m. at the complex.
Over 100 sponsors help make this event successful. From the trails to the concessions and tickets. The sponsorship is amazing, according to Workman.
Another highlight of the day is Dickson Delorme, better known by his stage name Quick Dick McDick. He is a Saskatchewan farmer, YouTube star and comedian, who will be on stage at 3 p.m. at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex.
Also at the complex will be a concession and supper prepared by the Carlyle and District Food Bank.
A table of raffle prizes will be up for grabs and there will be prizes.
This year’s proceeds will go to the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club.
“The MMSC work hard to keep the trails groomed and in excellent shape,” Workman said.
Funds will also go towards the Optimist-Legion Hall for some upgrades and the Mac Murray Theatre.
“The more good snow we have the better, but we will take what we get and have a great time,” Workman said.
