For snowmobile enthusiasts, there is one signature event that is an absolute 'must attend' in the Moose Mountain region.
Undoubtedly the best snowmobile rally in the region, and now into its 18th year, one of the longest running, the Optimist Club of Arcola's annual rally is coming up quickly on Saturday, Jan. 29.
The rally, which runs over more than 100 km of trails in and around Moose Mountain Provincial Park, promises to be a great one this year, thanks to the considerable blanket of snow already laid down in the area.
Glen Lawson, who has been working as an organizer with the rally for a number of years, feels that, if the weather holds, this could be a banner year for the event.
"You never really know what the weather will be like," Lawson said. "But if things keep up like they have been, I think this will be a great year for the ride, and the trails will be just perfect for snowmobiling."
Besides the actual ride, numerous other events will be going on to coincide with it on the day in question.
All are welcome to a breakfast, held at the Prairie Place Complex in Arcola, and is served between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
That evening, a dinner will be served between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Finally for the night, a dance will take place between 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at the Prairie Place Complex.
Playing the dance will be the band, 'Bad Dog.'
Tickets for the dance will run $15.
Registration for the event is now open, and the registration fee of $20 will make you eligible for a chance to win some of the more than $8,000 in prizes generously donated for the event by area businesses.
Also, hot sausages, hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available for riders at one of the rest stops along the route, courtesy of Moose Mountain Mud and Equal Transport.
The Optimists of Arcola will also be holding their annual Snowmobile Rally Lottery that day.
This year's grand prize winner will have a choice between a 2011 Polaris ATV, a 600 Switchback snowmobile, a Sportsman XP 850 EPS quad, or a RZR 800 side-by-side ATV.
Second prize will win $1,000 and third prize will win $500.
Tickets are $20 and are available by contacting Richard Weber at 455-2501 or 577-8597.
All entries must be received no later than Jan. 27.
With only 2,500 tickets printed for the lottery, be sure to call as soon as you can to ensure you have a chance to win!
All registrants for the snowmobile rally must be fully licensed to take part in the event.
For further information, to register, or to acquire lottery tickets, please contact Glen Lawson at 455-2409, or you can e-mail him at glen.lawson@sasktel.net
