The Wawota Lions Club held their annual Quad Derby on Saturday, April 14. The event was held by the Lions with help from others around the community. It's quite a bit of work to put on, but with a community effort they were able to host a successful derby.
Last year they unfortunately couldn't hold the event because of the weather, affected by both flooding and snow fall. This year was quite different than the last though.
After a full day of rain on Friday, Saturday was the perfect day for riding. It was a beautiful day that boasted temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius and there was plenty of mud to play in.
The day was a great success bringing in over 750 quads, with about 5 percent of those having two people riding on the same off road vehicle. Everyone who took to the trail was able to register and put their name in for the rider draw. This meant there were 738 people who came out to partake in the ride. Riders came from all over Southeast Saskatchewan.
The day began with a pancake supper in which all proceeds went to Levi Petterson, a youth in the area who is in need of major dental surgery. The surgery will help him to breathe more easily, but is not covered by dental insurance. A donation box was also set up throughout the day for Levi. In addition to the money raised from the pancake breakfast and the donation box, the Lions decided to donate one third of the proceeds of the day to him.
The money raised is also to be donated one third to the Wawota Community Forum and one third to the Wawota Daycare Centre. All are extremely important to the community. Tim Lincoln, a Lions member, stated, "The daycare is really good for the community. To a young family it is important and that has helped attract them here."
Quaders had to pay $10 for a registration fee. Resulting in $7,380 raised from registration alone a series of draws were then done. The first place draw being 25 percent of the rider registration meaning the lucky winner, Tom McDonald, received close to $2,000. The second place draw of 15 percent was won by Jonathan Kress. While the third place draw at 10 percent was won by Christopher Wild.
Quaders and community members were also encouraged to purchase Silent Hands, which throughout the day raised $9,200. This was again broken down into draws of 25 percent, 15 percent, and 10 percent. Andrew Major was the winner of a whopping $2,300. Dennis Beauchesne won the second place draw, while the third place draw went to Mark Weatherald.
At $20 the riders could have the "full meal deal" buying into the derby rider pot, a Silent Hand, and entry into all of the other draws held that day. Many businesses in the southeast made donations for these extra draws that the riders could win.
The quaders were presented with two designated paths the "good" and the "bad." The "good" being the one less likely to result in becoming stuck in the mud and the "bad" having a six foot stretch of water to be crossed. However, with all of the traffic going through the "good" stretch there came to be a couple spots that were getting a bit difficult to maneuver through. Yet, Lincoln stated, "You can wear a suit and stay dry if you really wanted."
For the most part, however, the people at the derby were more than happy to be out playing in the mud.
"The messier for these people the better." - said Lincoln.
The designated tracks for riders both came across the Cook Shack. Used for snowmobilers in the winter to warm up and cook food, it was modified by the Lions to feed the masses. Multiple barbeques were brought in along with picnic tables and refreshments.
The RCMP was present to keep the fun-filled day safe. In order to insure safety paramedics were also available. Lincoln stated, "The biggest thing is to get through the day with no injuries."
Another important part of the day was keeping the riders to stick to the pathways. "We just want people to have a good time, but be respectful to following the trails. The farmers don't appreciate quads getting out into their fields that are ready to be seeded." said Lincoln. To do this they relied on clear signage and the respect that these riders have for being given a place to ride their quads, eat some good food, and have a good time while helping many good causes.
When the quaders finished for the day the Wawota Flyers were more than willing to wash off all the machines for $10 apiece.
Overall the Wawota Lions Quad Derby was a great success raising over $12,000 to be split three ways: Wawota Wee Welcome Day Care, Wawota Community Forum, and to Levi Petterson. Everyone had a good time and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to take their off road vehicles out in the mud. Many were already excited for the chance to do it again next year.
