LAC LA BICHE - The Lac La Biche Back Country Riders third annual chili fundraiser drew a strong attendance, says Rob Kruk, president of the local snowmobiling club. The fundraising event took place on Jan. 25.
“We had around 200 snowmobilers attend our fundraiser this year, which is up a few from previous years,” Kruk told Lakeland This Week.
On the Saturday morning, snowmobilers congregated in the staging area on the shore of Beaver Lake in the Young’s Beach subdivision in Lac La Biche County for the kickoff to the event. After leaving the staging area, the participants travelled five kilometres on the lake before starting on the snowmobile club’s trail system, which is 85 kilometres in total.
At the midpoint of the day, the riders enjoyed a chili and bannock lunch. The lunch took place at the off-road adventures camp on the west shore of Elinor Lake.
According to Kruk, the chili and bannock are prepared by club members, with the recipe adjusted every year to make it even better. Following the lunch, the riders made the trip back to the staging area.
“Lots of laughs and stories were told amongst the riders throughout the day,” he says.
A few years ago, the Lac La Biche Back Country Riders snowmobiling club decided to organize a fundraiser designed to bring awareness to the snowmobiling community and Lac La Biche’s beautiful back country.
This year, $4,000 was raised. This money will be used to develop more trails and trailside stopping points with outhouses, picnic tables, garbage receptacles, and fire pits.
The day of snowmobiling, chili and socialization not only serves as a fundraiser for the club but also brings attention to the local environment.
“The event brings awareness and camaraderie to the community and shows support for ethical and environmentally sustainable use of our precious natural resources as well as the beauty of our back country,” Kruk said.
