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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
Word is spreading about an annual snowmobile event in Fort Providence.

Ben Vandell, left, and Ruben Sanderson of Fort Providence signal their approval of the fourth annual Vandell Ventures/SSI Fun Run in Fort Providence, earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Shawna McLeod

The Vandell Ventures/SSI Fun Run celebrated its fourth year in the hamlet on Feb. 16. Approximately 65 people participated in the ride that took them over more than 90 kilometres of trail. Last year 39 people registered for the event.

Steven Vandell, one of the organizers, attributes most of the growth to word of mouth.

"We had great reviews," he said.

People who come one year end up returning the next and bringing some friends with them, Steven said. This year's group included snowmobilers from Fort Providence, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Yellowknife and High Level.

"It went really good this year," said Mike Vandell, another organizer who drove the lead sled during the run.

Following the same trail used last year, the group traveled north along the Mackenzie River crossing at the Horn River. The snowmobilers then came back along the south side of the river, crossing again before reaching the hamlet.

Along the way the group stopped three times to hold contests at areas chosen for good hills and deep snow. Ivor Cli-Norwegian of Fort Simpson won the best carver award for doing zig-zags and turns in deep snow. His brother Hunter Norwegian won the best dressed award.

Darren Hardisty, also of Fort Simpson, won the best wheelie award for catwalking his snowmobile and Ricky Sibbeston of Fort Providence won the poker rally.

Brandon Bradbury of Yellowknife took the hill climbing contest with a jump that kept him in the air for approximately 22 metres.

"When Brandon did that jump the crowd was roaring," said Troy Bradbury of Fort Simpson, another participant.

This was Troy's second year participating in the fun run.

Troy said he was impressed by the hospitality that was shown to the riders as well as the organization that went into the ride. The trail was well marked, which meant people could stray off it to tear up the snow, he said.

"The boys and the girls had fun," he said.

"It seemed like everyone came back with a big smile on their face and tired."

Troy said he encourages other people to come out and try the fun run. They would really enjoy it, he said.

Mike said one of his favourite parts of the run is seeing the participants come out and enjoy themselves. There was a good mix of people this year from young children to old timers, he said.

The food at the end of the day was also welcomed, he said.

One of the changes to the event this year was that the barbecue moved from the middle of the ride to the end of the trail in Fort Providence. A fireworks display also helped cap off the evening.

Steven is already making plans for next year. A different route is being examined to add some surprises for the riders, he said.

The next snowmobile fun run in the Deh Cho will be the family fun run at the Beavertail Jamboree in Fort Simpson. The event will start at noon on March 9 and include events along the way.

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