The annual Fun Run held by Snomads lived up to its name Saturday, with more than 100 adults participating and another 30 youngsters joining the fun, said Snomads President Steve Parizek.
“We even had Toras Fisk out there,” said Parizek of the 90-year-old charter member of the snowmachine club. “And we had some people from Bolivia, Germany and Mexico, and Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers President Rick Northey and his entourage from the central peninsula.”
Awesome snow and great weather helped make for a perfect day, with Steve Rainwater and a crew of 10 or more volunteers organizing the event.
“He gets a lot of credit for the whole operation,” said Parizek.
With plenty of backcountry room to ride, the snowmachiners gathered at the Snomad Palace for a barbecue of burgers and hot dogs and door prize drawings.
“We probably gave away in excess of 40 prizes,” said Parizek. “It’s a big deal. When we go out there, we try to have a lot of fun.”
Sponsors of the Fun Run included In Demand Marine, All Seasons Honda, Nuka Point Fisheries, Homer Saw and Cycle, Bay Realty, Home Run Oil, NAPA, Lower Peninsula Power Sports, Redden Marine (Kachemak Gear Shed), Freddy’s Marine, Spenard Builders Supply, The Grog Shop, Maritime Helicopters, Petro Marine, NOMAR, Desperate Marine and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. Prizes also were provided by Eagle Enterprises, Homer Theatre, Stay Tan and the Homer Spit Campground.
The palace, as the Snomads’ cabin is known, is located about five or six air miles north of McNeil Canyon Elementary School, with groomed trails all the way. It has a loft, propane appliances, a woodstove and two outhouses. Its location also offers areas for sledding.
“This compound is not only for events, but can serve as a forward base of operations for our search and rescue team,” said Parizek.
The next event on the Snomads calendar is an ice fishing tournament at the west end of Caribou Lake on March 30. All ages are welcome.
“There is an entry fee of $10 and all kinds of prizes,” said Parizek.
There also is food and Snomads will provide the fishing holes in the ice.
“All you have to bring is your fishing pole and license,” said Parizek.
For more information about Snomads, visit homersnomads.com.
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.
