The 20th Annual Arcola Optimist Snowmobile Rally held on Jan. 26 was a great success. The beautifully sunny day brought 529 snowmobile lovers to the event.
"It's pretty neat for a town our size to have such great support. People came from Bengough and Emerald Park. We have quality prizes, quality service, and great trails. To know they came this far to enjoy it, it's truly amazing," Blake Brownridge, current Optimist President, exclaimed.
Approximately half of these were present for breakfast in the morning served by the local volunteer Fire Department. Other groups helping out during the day included the Grad Committee at the Arcola School, the Figure Skating Club, the 4-H Club, the daycare, and the Arcola High School Rodeo.
Brownridge explained these groups help the Optimist members in putting on the day as the fundraising efforts of the Optimists throughout the year will go towards these groups. The presentation of money raised usually happens in March during a dinner put on by the club.
This year brought approximately $13,000 worth of rider prizes donated by a number of businesses in the area. Over the years the prizes have changed from hats and sweatshirts to full on snowsuits and helmets.
All of the 2,500 tickets were sold on the biggest prize of the day donated by Carlyle R.V. and Leisure, which was won by Louise Healy of Carlyle. Healy now must decide between a sled, quad, or a street bike. A second place cash prize was won by Michael Leblanc of Frobisher. Finally, Bill Wyatt of Carlyle took the third place cash prize in the draw.
This is the first time in about four years that all of the tickets were sold for the raffle making the 20th annual rally a great success in fundraising efforts.
"It's probably one of the most important fundraisers this community has. The theatre probably wouldn't run without it and we now take care of the Legion Hall in town too," Brownridge stated.
This year the Optimists will not only continue giving to those in the community who apply for help; but, are raising money to put towards redoing the play park in town.
A 50/50 draw was also being held during the day, which the Optimists will donate to the Carlyle and District Food Bank.
This year was much different than the 2012 rally as there was no snow last year. The club still received great support from the community, but this year it went extremely well.
"We have good snow this year. It was cold all week and nice today, everybody was ready to get out of the house and go," Brownridge explained.
This event is not simply able to be put on by those in Arcola as there has been much help from across the area. Businesses as far as Weyburn were willing to help sell raffle tickets and get the word out about the day.
"All surrounding communities help with this and we hope it goes for another 20 years," Brownridge said.
