The Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club hosted its Eighth Annual Lamplighter Loppet on February 17 and drew the largest turnout ever.
Over 50 skiers registered for this unique event at the Good Spirit Provincial Park, with registration received by members Maureen Anaka, Loralee Antonovich and Vickie Stevenson at the park’s recreational hall.
Darryl Stevenson, club president, said it was great to see different age groups taking part.
“Participants were from all ages as young as 10 years old and included some first time night skiers. The Family Day weekend weather co-operated nicely, allowing for an excellent evening to ski the trails located in the park.”
Stevenson said the Lamplighter Loppet is the only night loppet held not only in Saskatchewan but in all of Canada.
“A loppet is not a race, but rather a fun family ski experience of varying distances chosen by the skiers. Starting at 6 p.m. from the recreation hall, skiers wearing headlamps experienced a night ski with a spectacular light show. Hundreds of mini lights lit the trail beginning at the hall and leading up to and around the warm-up shelter.”
Facilities and equipment for the event were provided by the Brian Dudar, Good Spirit Provincial Park manager, and his staff.
The trails were groomed by Stevenson and fellow club member Derek Sebastian. Substantial recent snowfall helped create near ideal conditions.
At the warm-up shelter Dana Antonovich and Bob Purton, club members, greeted the skiers and provided hot cocoa, a chance to warm up by the outdoor fire, and the opportunity to socialize with fellow skiers.
Stevenson said everyone had the option of skiing anywhere from four kilometres and up.
“Many participants opted to ski further on the 20 kms of groomed classic style trails. One skier even completed the entire trails twice within the time limit. Skiers were required to be off the trails, returning to the recreation hall by 10 p.m.”
Stevenson said the registration process for the event ensured everyone had checked in upon their return. Club members then swept the trails to confirm no skiers were left out after the conclusion of the skiing.
Upon returning to the recreation hall, the skiers were greeted with hot chili on a bun with all the fixings, as well as numerous desserts and refreshments. Stevenson said after the meal, skiers were divided into two teams for games and relays.
“The minute-to-win-it style games began with accompanying music provided by Bob Purton. Games included props of hula hoops, ping pong balls, balloons, straws, mini marshmallows and Frisbees with strategy that required both luck and skills by the players. After an abundance of cheering and laughing, the winners and close seconds were all provided with prizes donated by local sponsors.”
Stevenson said in addition to Canora, skiers attending the event were drawn from Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, Humboldt, Melville, Hudson Bay, Norquay, Saltcoats, and Crystal Lake.
“Yorkton, Good Spirit and Humboldt ski clubs represented a large part of the attendance which included several past members of the local club. In addition, everyone was given a souvenir T-shirt sponsored by the club and a buff or toque provided by the Saskatchewan Ski Association.”
Anne Stupak, organizer, said she was extremely pleased with the turnout this year and the rise in skiing participants.
“The ski club wishes to thank everyone for coming out to the Lamplighter Loppet and we hope to see everyone again next year.”
