Fresh powder

While Friday’s snowfall didn’t stay on the ground for long, there was no shortage of powder at the fourth annual Rollin’ Thunder Rail Jam Saturday afternoon.

“Snow in November, it’s awesome,” said Van Bailey, one of more than 50 skiers and snowboarders participating in the charity event in the Rollin’ Thunder Bike and Ski parking lot on Algoma Street.

The Rail Jam raises money for the Parkinson’s Society of Canada and has winter athletes slide down a two-storey drop-in with different jump and rail options.

After four years, the event has built a reputation with more participants coming out each year and the local ski and snowboard community anticipating the annual event.

“Everyone really looks forward to it,” said Bailey. “You get to go hit some rails, hang out with your buddies, it’s a good vibe. It’s always a fun time.”

The first Rail Jam saw about 25 participants. Last year 75 athletes came out. Event co-organizer Daniel Fiorito said they haven’t only grown their participation rate, but also their prizes and the amount of money being donated to the Parkinson’s Society.

Each year the amount has climbed closer to the $1,000 mark and he has no doubt they’ll reach it this year.

“Parkinson’s, it’s an unbeatable disease,” said Fiorito, adding the disease hits close to home for store owner Brian Coutts, whose father has Parkinson’s.

The Rollin’ Thunder Rail Jam is the first ride of the season in the city and it’s hard work hauling the snow from local hockey rinks.

Preparation for the event literally happens overnight, said Fiorito.

“We started around 6 p.m. and go to the wee hours of the morning, hauling snow from local hockey rinks and getting the features set up,” he said. “It takes a big crew and we really thank everyone who comes to help out.”

The event also raise the profile of the two winter sports in the city, with traffic along Algoma Street slowing down to take in the action, said Fiorito.

"It makes us look a little less like punks that are just wrecking stuff, but rather doing (this) for a good cause," he said.