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Fifth anniversary for event
Fort Providence Fun Run draws snowmobilers from four communities

Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, March 13, 2014

DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
A popular snowmobiling event in Fort Providence has grown well beyond its roots.

Approximately 15 years ago, people from Fort Simpson used to come to the hamlet for a weekend of snowmobile races and then stay an extra day to ride a loop along the Mackenzie River, said Michael Vandell, the president of the Fort Providence Snowmobile Club.

A decision was made to turn the casual ride into an event and the Fort Providence Fun Run was created. This year the event, which celebrated its fifth anniversary, attracted approximately 50 snowmobilers Feb. 22.

"It's getting bigger and more formal," Vandell said.

The snowmobilers set off from the hamlet at about 11:30 a.m. for a ride that took them approximately 106 km in a large loop. The riders and machines crossed the Mackenzie River twice as part of a loop that took them to the Horn River area.

A poker run was held along the way and at the stops at two cabins a variety of competitions were held. Alex Norwegian of Hay River won the sled carve and hill climb competitions while Dylan Carter, also of Hay River, took the best sled wheelie trophy. Greg Rivera of Yellowknife's ensemble, won him the best sled suit award.

Two days of snowfall before the ride created great conditions for carving.

"We had lots of good snow this year," Vandell said.

The ride was great, but cold, said Jermaine Gargan, one of the participants from Fort Simpson.

Gargan, who drove his Polaris RMK 700, was back for a third consecutive year.

"It's a great time," he said.

There are looks of good prizes and good company, said Gargan.

Tim Hinz, the owner of Diggerz Powersports in Hay River was also a repeat rider.

"They did an awesome job putting it together," he said.

"Everyone I talked to plans on going back again."

Approximately 12 snowmobilers from Hay River attended the event.

"The Hay River and Yellowknife riders outnumbered the local riders," said Vandell.

The fifth run was a success, he said. The cold temperatures kept participation numbers lower than last year, however, when they peaked at approximately 65 people.

In addition to giving snowmobilers a chance to gather and get out to ride, the fun run also lets riders check out other machines. There was a good mix this year including a lot of new machines by Bombardier, Polaris and Arctic Cat as well as a few by Yamaha.

"We all look at each other's," said Vandell.

The fun run is hosted by the Fort Providence Snowmobile Club, organized by Vandell Ventures and sponsored by a number of businesses including the Snowshoe Inn.

The trophies for the individual awards as well as a host of prizes donated by businesses from Hay River and Yellowknife were awarded during a meal at the Showshoe Cafe after the ride.

Despite its popularity the future of the run is uncertain. Vandell said there is talk of taking a break next year. The summer version of the run, the annual Dirt Bag Mud Run, is still set to go ahead.

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