Gunflint canoe races Wednesday

The annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races are happening on Wednesday evening, July 21st.  This annual Northwoods event is a fundraiser with the emphasis on FUN.

 

Legend has it that back in the 1970’s, different lodges along the Gunflint Trail would hold Wednesday evening canoe races during the summer months.  A friendly competition between lodges, the races are now an important annual fundraiser for a very good cause. 

 

“It is the major fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.”

 

That’s Melissa Anderson.  She helped organize this year’s races and says there’s a lot more to do than just paddle a canoe.

 

“We have all kinds of things going on for everybody,” says Anderson.  “There’s a food court with great goodies to eat while you enjoy the event, kids activities, there’s a bean bag toss, minnow races, and a casting contest.  I believe we’ve also got kayak races for the kids.  There’s a silent auction.  And of course the raffle, the general raffle where we have over 200 items that we raffle off.”   

 

Activities start at 4:00 p.m. on the waterfront at Gunflint Lodge on Gunflint Lake.  Canoe races get underway at 6:00 p.m.

 

“We have all kinds of different events in the canoe races. There is a backward paddle. There’s a broken paddle. There’s different age groups. There’s a long distance paddle. So, there’s lots of ways for people to participate. It’s a really fun community event, and there’s good feelings among people because they know they’re supporting the local fire department.” 

 

The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) is an all-volunteer full-service agency founded in 1992.  The department currently has 39 members responding to medical emergencies, structure fires, and wildland fires in the Gunflint Trail area.  To learn more, visit gunflint911.org.  For more information about the annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races on Gunflint Lake, Wednesday, July 21st, call Melissa or Tom at 388-9495.