Snowarama returns

For eight-year-old Zachary Pylychuk, the annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids is all about outdoor fun and fulfilling his need for speed.

For other children with disabilities, it’s an opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest, thanks to the fundraising side of the annual event on the trails surrounding the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.

“We have a lot of fun,” Zachary said on Thursday, at the launch of this year’s event, set for Feb. 4. “There are two to three snowmobile trails. And last year I got to go on a snowmobile run. It was very fun. We were going very fast and we got to scare our family members.”

Snowarama, which has been taking place for 37 years across Ontario, was designed to help raise money for Easter Seals through pledges collected by local snowmobile clubs.

First started in 1975 by wrestler Whipper Billy Watson, the inaugural Snowarama raised $130,000 at 12 events staged across the province.

Since then it’s raised a combined $16.5 million for Easter Seals.

“Snowarama is very important for Easter Seals. It’s one of the few events that a lot of the kids like, because they get to see the snowmobiles started and they get to look at the snowmobiles from close up,” Zachary said.

Each event is unique, local organizers said.

The Northern Minnesota challenge features a complimentary spaghetti supper and dancing, featuring the music of Bon Jovi tribute band Bed of Roses.

Tony Swader, vice-president of the Grand Portage Trail Riders, said their ninth annual event should be all set to go, the latest drop of snow helping fill out the trails.

“Right now our trails have been dragged and we’ve got some grooming done. Over on the Gunflint they’ve got some grooming done, so I think we’ll be OK, as far as the trails go. There’s a three- to five-inch base in Portage, a six- to seven-inch base over at the Gunflint and about 16 inches of snow in the woods,” Swader said.

“So a couple more shots of snow and we’ll be OK.”

Swader added it’s all about the children, whose families often face enormous financial challenges. It can cost between $10,000 and $40,000 a year to raise a child with a physical disability, something most can afford on their own.

“We want to help the kids like Zach and all the other kids up here in Thunder Bay get the things they need to get on with life and make life a little bit better for them,” he said.

To participate or donate, phone Rhonda Harrison at 345-7622 or visit www.snowarama.org.