Snowarama celebrates 50 years

Snowmobilers across the province are coming north this weekend for the 50th edition of Snowarama, a key fundraiser for Easter Seals.

Snowarama is celebrating a special anniversary this year.

Run by Easter Seals Ontario, the event has been around for 50 years, attracting hundreds of snowmobilers from across the province.

“The majority of them are in northern Ontario because we get most of the snow and it’s a northern sport, and we get a lot of people riding up here,” said Carmen Bazinet, Easter Seals services program manager.

From Jan. 25 to Feb. 22, Snowarama will be held in various communities, including Espanola, Sault Ste Marie and Timmins.

On Feb. 1, the event will take place at the Windy Lake Motel in the Greater Sudbury community of Levack, where the first Sudbury event was held back in 1975.

Bazinet said the 50th anniversary will be marked with memorabilia including antique snow machines.

“We found all kinds of pictures from the past, some old pictures, some postings,” she said.

“Some of the participants that have been riding for years have brought in some of their best old hats.”

The ride will begin at 10 a.m., heading towards the Valley. Participants will be given a spaghetti lunch. There will also be prizes, awards and a silent auction.

Help children with disabilities

Proceeds from the event will go to Easter Seals to support their mission of helping children with disabilities in the community.

“The proceeds from all our events, go to the families for their equipment,” Bazinet said.

“Their wheelchairs, their walkers, any type of equipment they may need.”

Bazinet estimates more than $18.6 million has been raised over the years.

“The snowmobile community (is) very generous,” she said.

“That’s a lot of riders and a lot of people donating to the cause. And it just it makes my heart warm when we see all these people come out and they come out for the kids, they come out for the kids to see, you know, what their money is going towards.”

Riders must have a valid OFSC permit to participate.

Additional details about the event can be found here.