On a 鈥渧ery cold day with a brisk wind and temperature at -30C in the morning,鈥� a group of snowmobilers gathered to participate in the annual Swan Plain Poker Derby.
On March 2, 177 snowmobiles registered at the Swan Plain Community Centre and were from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and even the USA, as the farthest driver was from Spokane Wash., organizers said.
The morning started off with a pancake and sausage breakfast which was served in the Community Centre and prepared by the members of the Swan Community Centre.
Snow conditions were described as excellent, with a lot of powder for the snowmobilers to enjoy.
鈥淧remium fuel was available at the Swan Plain Community Centre in the morning because many of our local participants ride their snowmobiles to the hall, register and then head out on the derby, therefore gas is available for them if needed,鈥� said Kim Naclia, an organizer.
鈥淥ur half way point was at Skull Lodge Outfitters, which is owned and operated by Gene and Faye Petryshyn, and premium fuel was available there as well. Free hotdogs, compliments of the Swan Plain Community Centre were served to our snowmobilers who enjoyed the warmth of the facilities before they carried on up the trail.
鈥淭he derby ended at the Swan Plain Community Centre where a delicious perogy meal was served along with lazy cabbage rolls, baked macaroni, sweet 鈥榥 sour and plain meatballs, ham, salads, pickles and all the trimmings along with a variety of desserts.
鈥淭he supper was prepared and served by our members and was open to the public. We had a wonderful crowd for supper andwe would like to thank the women for all their help with pinching perogies,鈥� Naclia concluded.
Kris Danielson had the highest score and won first amongst the drivers, receiving a cash prize and a trophy.
Todd Griffith was second, winning a cash prize and a trophy. Leighton Hull, third, received a cash prize.
The Ghost Hand winners were: George Grant, first (and highest score), cash prize; Ken Abrahamson, second, cash prize, and Jamie Holodniuk, third, cash prize.
A cash prize for the most Ghost Hands brought was shared between Martin Holodniuk and Nicoli Ochitwa as they each brought in the same amount of hands
Ryan Marendiuk of Spokane, Wash., took home the trophy for the rider from furthest away. Gene Petryshyn took home the trophy for 小蓝视频 the most senior driver, and Lori Anderson took home the skunk trophy for lowest hand.
The two food hampers were won by Shirley Abrahamson and Leora Nokinsky, and a 50/50 draw winner took home $325.
There were many 鈥渇abulous鈥� silent auction items to bid on, said Naclia. 鈥淭he Swan Plain Community Centre members wish to acknowledge everyone who donated to our silent auction as without these donations, our silent auction would not exist.鈥�
Some comments that members heard about the derby were, "It was so cold but the trail was scenic and well groomed". There were many who thanked the women in the kitchen and said "great supper," which makes the hours of preparing and serving the meal worth it, Naclia said.
On behalf of the Swan Plain Community Centre members, she acknowledged those who participated in the derby,members and volunteers who spent many hours cutting and grooming the trail, and the Skull Lodge Outfitters who 鈥済raciously offered their facilities鈥� for the half way point.聽
鈥淲ithout all of you, our derby would not be as successful as it is,鈥� Naclia concluded.聽
