Snowmads' event about having fun 03/03/10

Story last updated at 5:42 PM on Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Snowmads' event about having fun

By McKibben Jackinsky

Don't think lack of snow at sea level means too little snow for the Snomads' annual Fun Run Saturday. Dave Mastolier, president of the snowmachine club, said there is plenty for the club's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Once known as a poker run, the Fun Run is certain to be exactly what the name suggests: fun for everyone interested in participating.

"All it is is a ride for anybody, families or people that want to go at a fast pace if they can," said Mastolier.

Snomads' Fun Run

wHEN: Saturday

register:

Preregister: All Seasons Honda and Peninsula SKi-Doo, Lower Peninsula Power Sports, Homer Saw and Cycle.

Saturday registration: 8-10 a.m., McNeil Canyon Elementary School.

INFO:

Cark, 399-4014Mike, 299-0427

www.homersnomads.org

The run's distance is an estimated 40 miles. The checkpoints begin at McNeil Canyon Elementary School, with sign-up from 8-10 a.m. Saturday. Registering early is an option.

"Some will preregister and will spend (Friday) night at one of their cabins at Caribou Lake, so McNeil is technically the first checkpoint, but it's not mandatory to go there," said Mastolier, adding another scenario. "You'll see people pull in (at McNeil), register and then drive down to one of the trailheads and take off from there."

For some entrants, setting a fast pace between checkpoints is important. For others, speed isn't a consideration, but visiting with other snowmachiners is. Masotlier said in past years he's seen groups of participants stopping along the way to enjoy each other's company.

"What we find at the manned check stations is 30-40 there at any one time, everyone just laughing and joking, and then everyone moseys on to the next check-in at the next checkpoint," Mastolier said. "It's not meant to be fast-paced. It's not even a race. All it's meant to be is a family fun day. There's no pressure in any way, shape or form."

Hamburgers and hot dogs await the crowd at the Snomads Palace, a two-story structure and barbecue area owned by the snowmachine club. And there are prizes.

"Last year, first place was more than $1,000 cash and second place was probably $500," Mastolier said. "Then we do miscellaneous prizes in the adult class and in the kids class."

The big attraction at this year's Fun Run is the drawing for a brand new, 2010 Ski-Doo snowmachine recently awarded the club as part of a nationwide promotion. The winning ticket-holder does not have to be present to win, but Mastolier is going to add to the anticipation of who wins the machine by making it the last drawing of the day.

"That's a really big deal. We're out of tickets. They went really fast," said Mastolier.

Two other drawings are adding to the excitement. One is for a Tikka stainless steel 338 rifle and the other is a Remington Model 870 shotgun.

Sponsors of the Fun Run include All Seasons Honda and Peninsula Ski-Doo, Lower Peninsula Power Sports and Homer Saw and Cycle.

"Those are the biggest sponsors, but we have a whole list of others," said Mastolier. "There are probably 15-20 businesses that help support this. They're pretty much all in the Homer area."

For more information on the run or Snomads, visit the Web at www.homersnomads.org, or call Kari, 399-4014, or Mike, 299-0427.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com

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