On Saturday, Jan. 26, the 20th Annual Snowmobile Rally held by the Optimist Club of Arcola will take place.
The full day event will begin with a pancake breakfast open to everyone at Prairie Place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Following the delicious meal will be rider registration between10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The riders should all then be ready for an exciting time out in the snow.
Last year due to a lack of snow there was a concern that people wouldn't be out for the event. Despite this draw back to a snowmobile rally, a record number of people still came out to support the Optimist Club's largest fundraiser of the year.
This year, bar some unusually warm next couple of weeks, there will be an abundance of snow for people to enjoy.
Registration for the event will be $20 per rider, which will let you out on the trail the rally coordinators are planning, give you access to hot dogs, smokies, and hot chocolate on the trail at a rest stop, and a chance to win one of the many rider prizes.
Glen Lawson, Snowmobile Rally Chairperson, has explained they are looking at approximately $10,000 worth in rider prizes. Riders will be out for the afternoon following a trail starting and finishing at the hall. The trail is currently tentatively set, which will weave in and out of the Moose Mountains; but, this is not yet finalized. Riders will enjoy an afternoon of riding and return by about 5 p.m. for the draws.
Supper will also be available at Prairie Place where beef on a bun will be served; this supper is also open to everyone as is the breakfast.
"It's our 20th annual ride and so we're hoping for a good crowd. We have good snow this year, we had good support last year with no snow, so we're hoping for a good event this year," Lawson exclaimed.
They are also selling raffle tickets with the first prize being a choice between a 2013 Skidoo Renegade Back Country 800, a 2013 Suzuki 750 LTA 4x4 Quad, or a 2012 Suzuki C50T Motorcycle and 6x10 trailer, all from Carlyle RV and Leisure. The second and third places will receive cash prizes. There are only 2,500 tickets printed and are sold at a number of businesses in the area or by club members. They will also hopefully still have tickets for people interested on the day of the rally.
With a number of sponsors from the area the Optimists are thankful for all of the support and are hoping to put on an exciting day consisting of roaring engines, snow, food, and fun.
