聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Although it was much quieter around Prairie Place on Saturday, Jan. 30, than it usually would be, there were fewer snowmobiles with engines revving, but the 23rd annual Optimist Snowmobile Rally was a success despite the warm weather and lack of snow.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Ultimately the event was a success with the community rallying together to ensure people were having fun and enjoying the day, even if they weren鈥檛 out on snowmobile trails en masse.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The event began with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Arcola Fire Dept., which was busier than expected, a sentiment that carried on throughout the day as a total of 263 riders registered as riders for the event. Although this is below their usual numbers, the Optimists were very pleased with the turnout as they had $11,000 worth of rider prizes to give away and were unsure what to expect for attendance.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淚t's been a good day,鈥� Glen Lawson with the Optimists explained. 鈥淲e've had great sponsorship which ensured the day was a success, the lottery tickets moved well, and we've had more riders than expected come through.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淲e're as happy as can be with the snow we have. Really the businesses and farms that supported and committed to us were the reason this was still successful, even without a lot of snow.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淭here's a lot of people that come every year, no matter what, as well, who we're very appreciative of.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Optimist member, Cathy Burton, added, 鈥淲e can't control the weather, but it's so nice to have everyone come out and show their support. It's a really fun family event, there's kids everywhere and everyone is looking out for each other; it's what small towns are all about.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The annual lottery also brought in funds, which will go towards a variety of efforts in the community including upgrades for the Fire Department and at the play park.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 This year's big winner was Isabel Cann of Arcola who won her choice of a 2016 Viper MYX snowmobile, 2016 Wolverine side x side, or a 2016 Grizzly quad from Terry's Cycle in Weyburn.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Second and third prizes, each worth $1,000, were won by Doug Semchuk of Regina and Darryl Hutt of Lampman.
