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Wawota Lions’ Quad Derby takes to the trail for its 10th year Lynne Bell Observer Staff
The Wawota Lions Club hosted the 10th edition of its annual quad derby-the club’s major fundraiser- on Saturday, April 25, as 677 off-road enthusiasts-riding quads, side by sides, and motorbikes-were welcomed with a 22-mile scenic trail that provided them with a day of fun in the dust, dirt, and mud. Proceeds from the quad derby are earmarked for numerous community projects, according to Lions member, Garry Dickson. “We also partner with other local organizations, with the Wawota Community Rink Board providing a pancake breakfast for the riders, and the Wee Welcome Daycare hosting supper. We even have quadwashing for a small fee. This year, the Wawota Skating Club is in charge of that, so they can raise some money for their club.” “We have great prizes donated by our generous sponsors,” says Dickson. “Their sponsorship also allows us to award three cash prizes to riders and three silent hand cash prizes to non-riders.” “We really appreciate the support of our sponsors, “ says Lions Club president, Doug Bourgon. “We can’t thank them enough.” “The support of everyone who is involved in this fundraiser makes it a success,” adds Bourgon. “We appreciate them all.” “It’s a real family-oriented event,” adds Dickson. “A lot of guys come and bring their young kids, their wives, their girlfriends with them. A lot of them bring their motor homes and camp in Centennial Park or stay nearby. Many of them are here on Friday night and stay through until Sunday, so there’s an economic benefit for Wawota and the surrounding area, too.” Area landowners have continued to allow the use of their land, so the trail remains the same as in previous years. The route is divided into “good” and “bad” sections-with good
Photo by Lynne Bell, Observer Staff
The Wawota Lions Club marked a decade of derbies, as the organization hosted its 10th Annual Quad Derby, Saturday, April 25. The derby is the Lions’ major fundraiser and not only provided 677 off-road enthusiasts from as far away as Calgary, Winnipeg, and Prince Albert, with a day of fun in the mud, but funds raised also support numerous community projects.
Photo by Lynne Bell, Observer Staff th
The Wawota Lions Club’s 10 Annual Quad Derby was held on Saturday, April 25. Riders-677 in all-were welcomed with a 22-mile scenic trail that provided them with a day of fun in the dust and the mud. The event not only helps to fund numerous community projects; it also provides a boost for businesses in the Wawota area during the entire weekend.
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meaning relatively little mud, and “bad” meaning a rider is more likely to become stuck. “And a lot of them are more likely to like the “bad” trail,” laughs Dickson. Landowner and Lion Doug Carpenter has allowed the derby across his land since it began. “Things have improved a lot since we started it,” he says. “There were a few problems in the beginning, but now, the majority of the riders respect the land.” “We appreciate that and we can always clean up,” he says, adding, “My main concern is that nobody gets hurt. As long as no one is hurt and they have a safe rally, that’s my real concern.” Members of the Carlyle RCMP detachment were in attendance to help ensure the safety of participants, according to Lions Club president, Doug Bourgon. “It was a safe day for everybody today,” he said. “That’s our entire aim for this day. We want to raise money, but most of all, we want it to be a safe day for everyone who participates-and it was.” Midway through the ride, the Lions hosted a barbeque at the Cook Shack, which allows the members of the club and their spouses to feed the hundreds of riders on derby day. Hundreds of participants took advantage of the break and enjoyed the tailgate party-like atmosphere in the picturesque Pipestone Valley, many praising Wawota’s hospitality and the event itself. Chris Spry of Carlyle, who rode with his 11-year-old son, Damien said, “The entire rally was excellent. The food was great, the sign in was fast, everything. Last year, I brought Damien for the first time and he rode with me. This year, he rode his little Honda quad and I brought my side by side.” “We had an excellent time, and we’ll definitely be back next year.”