The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
It was a first for Flin Flon as the United Canadian Snocross Association's Snocross came to town this past weekend. The Border Explorer Snowmobile Club and the Flin Flon Kinsmen began preparations in October for the extreme event, held in Centoba Park this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Forty-three riders, ranging in age from five to 45, came from as far east as Kenora, Ont., and as far west as parts of Saskatchewan. Spectators saw 24 races Saturday as riders were competing in heats and trying to qualify for the finals, which were held on Sunday. Flin Flonners were able to see a few local faces as Billy Kostuchuk hit the track both Saturday and Sunday on his 96 Ski Doo. John Trumbley, with the Border Explorers Snowmobile Club, says they were hoping for better attendance, as they only saw about 400 spectators. "Part of it was that it was something new," says Trumbley, as to why not as many people showed up. "Our attendance was extremely low. We were expecting about 800 people," he says. The races, which were on a man-made track in Centoba Park, made their first appearance in Flin Flon, but were in Thompson and Swan River in previous years. "This was something new for Flin Flon and not many people knew what it was," says Jason Brooks with the Kinsmen Club. Those who did make their way out and fight the cold enjoyed their time. Although it hasn't been decided if it will be brought back to the city or not. "I would like to try once more time, but it's up to the organizations and we'll have to see what they think," says Trumbley. Between the City of Flin Flon and a variety of other organizations, about 1,800 man hours of volunteer work were put into this event. "That includes everything from bringing the snow, making the track, the concessions," says Trumbley. The UCSA provided the riders and officials, but a lot of work was still left on the shoulders of the snowmobile club and the Kinsmen. "They provide the officials and everything...we just give them a place to race," says Trumbley. Sounds simple enough, right? Trumbley says putting the track alone together took a good chunk of time. As far as the City was concerned, Trumbley says it basically brings tourism dollars into the area. "They have to pay for their fuel, food, hotels and propane. The dollars are huge," he says, adding that in a weekend a big event could bring anywhere from $250,000 to $300,000.
