The raffle drawing for Groom to Ride, a major fundraiser for local snowmobile clubs, was held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 1st at Trackside in Eagle River. The event was sponsored by Trackside of Eagle River and co-sponsored by three area snowmobile clubs – Sno-Eagles of Eagle River, Sno-Buddies of Conover, and Northern Lights Snowmobile Club of Three Lakes.
The grand prize was a 2023 Ski-Doo 600 snowmobile donated by Trackside. Second prize was 2024 World Championship Snowmobile Derby tickets for 4 reserved indoor Hot Seats including admission and parking donated by the World Championship Derby Complex. Third prize was a two-night stay at the Northernaire Resort donated by the Northernaire, dinner for two at SpiritView Lakeside Restaurant donated by Laura Forsyth-Madl and Jessica Czaplinski, and dinner for two at 32 South Bar and Grill. Fourth prize was a 2-night stay at Bauer’s Dam Resort plus a $100 gift card.
Trackside organized bucket raffles prior to the drawing and grilled brats and hot dogs were provided at no charge.
The raffle generated $42,296 in profit which was shared between the three clubs. All proceeds will be used for trail grooming programs. Even though snowmobile clubs receive state reimbursement for a portion of the trail preparation and grooming, it doesn’t come close to covering the expenses of maintaining snowmobile trails. When snowmobile clubs reach their cap, all grooming is done at the expense of the clubs. Fundraisers such as this help provide the needed funding.
This event would not have been possible without the support from Track Side, the World Championship Derby Complex, the Northernaire Resort and Condo Association, 32 South Bar and Grill, SpiritView Lakeside Restaurant, Bauer’s Dam and Resort, and the local businesses that promoted and sold the raffle tickets.
Club officials are grateful for all the volunteers who helped make this event a big success.
