By Martin Martinson

Rally for the rink

Vawn Snowmobile Rally puts ‘fun’ in fundraising

Jan 30, 2019 | 5:00 PM

The second annual Vawn Community Hall Snowmobile Rally is taking place Feb. 23.

Brandon Doom, a member of the Vawn Community Hall Association and organizer with the event, said the idea for the rally was inspired by a similar event held in Meota. Doom, along with his uncle, began organizing the rally as a way to raise money for local initiatives within Vawn.

Over 100 people took part in the rally’s inaugural year, raising over $4,000 in the process. Doom expects the number of participants to only grow this time around as the event continues to gain traction, with less competition from other prominent events happing in the area at the same time.

“Last year the weather was cooperating, but it was in the middle of hockey playoffs, so that took away from us a little bit,” Doom said. “Then there was another rally in North Battleford as well. I’m hoping for about 150 this year and if we get more that’s awesome.”

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Last year, funds from the event went towards several maintenance projects at the community hall, including upgrading the concrete around the building, painting the exterior, and re-waxing the hardwood floors, among other things. This year, all proceeds will go towards replacing the local outdoor skating rink, a project that has been assessed at nearly $8,000.

Although the town of Vawn is home to only about 10 kids, the outdoor rink serves as a community fixture and brings in youth from outside the town’s limits to skate each year throughout the winter months.

“Around Christmas, that rink was used almost every day,” Doom said. “There were over 20 kids on the rink some days. Right now, everybody pretty much plays hockey in Edam but if the ice in Edam is being used, they come to Vawn and they skate. The farmers that live in the area come into town and bring their kids.”

The trail for the rally itself measures about 50 kilometers, traveling through the Jackfish hills before looping back to Cavalier for the half-way point, where there will be a wiener roast and hot chocolate served. Coming back to Vawn, riders will go through the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

In addition to hot dogs and hot chocolate on the trail, chili and a bun will be served at the Vawn Hall at the completion of the ride. The bar is open all day and there will also be door prizes, silent auction items and a guaranteed $500, 50/50 draw.

With people from all over the region coming together to join in the cause, Doom said the aspirations of a new rink would not be possible without the support of people from neighboring towns and their continued word-of-mouth, as the rally continues to draw in supporters from across the region chipping in.

Last year saw riders from small northern communities such as Turtleford and Glasslyn, to as far west as Lloydminster and south as Battleford take part in the event. Doom said not only are people coming out of the proverbial woodwork to take part in the rally, but several businesses have also lent a hand as well, with over 50 donating door prizes and silent auction items last year.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1