With 1,108 ATVs registered, a hundred more than the previous year’s count, the 7th Annual ATV Poker Derby roared to a start. This year the derby was held on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. Finding its beginnings in 2001, this annual derby is not only a fundraiser, but a way to bind the community together.
It is an enjoyable event to be pursued at your own leisure. “It’s basically for fun,” said Sandra Fillion, one of the prime co-ordinators. The monies attained are split between the volunteer fire department and the Got Ice arena renovations.
The trails consist of 33 miles (50 kilometres) of trails, winding around regions of the Red River. In the past, these trails have held stations that were tastefully enhanced with beautiful, themed displays.
Checkstops are located at several points along the trails, and at each one participants select a single playing card at random. In the end, the participant with the best hand is the winner. Saturday opened with a pancake breakfast, where more than 200 pancakes and sausages were served.
Registration followed from 9 a.m. until noon, after which participants were free to visit the sponsors’ displays or purchase food from the canteens. Mudholes were scattered throughout the town and trails, where many brave participants fired their quads through, playful and carefree.
Later on in the day, beer gardens were opened, while live local entertainers, Craig & Ash, lit up the remainder of the evening. Sunday also began with a pancake breakfast. An obstacle course followed by drag races was held later on during the day.
Participants came from all over the nation just to attend. Guests ventured from as far south as Iowa and Minnesota, made special trips from the West Coast as well as Kelowna, B.C., and came from Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and all regions of Manitoba simply to test the trails and taste the mud of the derby.
The general ambience is one of leisure and fun. The trails are a joy for avid ATVers to pursue, especially with nature’s lovely autumn leaves all over the paths. Who’s to say that you are too old to play in the mud?
Thousands of dollars have been raised this year. Many local businesses that were also sponsors had set up display tables on the derby grounds. Scott Rods, Enns Brothers, Rosenort Motors, Tires n’ Toys and Morden Motorsports were just a few of the sponsors on location.
Terry Budge, hailing from East Selkirk, was the winner on Saturday, also receiving the sizable sum of $2,500. A thousand dollars went to Patrick Laroche of Winnipeg, and another $500 went to Penny Kroeker, also of Winnipeg.
The planning committee consists of Eugene and Sandra Fillion, Mike Gilmore, Pat Ayotte and Kevin Klaassen. The smashing success and widespread popularity of the derby reinforces the hard work and months of planning that each of these individuals have put into the event.
Many volunteers had also surrendered their time, working at the derby during these two eventful days. Each volunteer plays their part, whether on the trails at a checkstop, or keeping up with the rush at the canteens.
They all deserve a deep and unanimous thanks. “I’d like to personally thank each and every person that attended the derby. Without you guys, this awesome weekend would not have been possible,” said Kevin Klaassen, derby committee member.
For more detailed information, visit www.stjeanatvderby.com.
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