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.
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’t out on snowmobile trails en masse.
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.
“It's been a good day,” Glen Lawson with the Optimists explained. “We'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.”
“We'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.”
“There's a lot of people that come every year, no matter what, as well, who we're very appreciative of.”
Optimist member, Cathy Burton, added, “We 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.”
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.
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.
Second and third prizes, each worth $1,000, were won by Doug Semchuk of Regina and Darryl Hutt of Lampman.
