Chili Run and poker fun: Merritt Snowmobile Club hosts annual fundraiser

biles 14 kilometers up Thynne Mountain to reach Andy’s Lake. At the lake, they were greeted with warm food, warm drinks, and heartwarming fun for all.

This year there were nearly 90 participants as part of the annual event, made up of both members and nonmembers alike. Organizers told the Herald that the number of participants was encouraging and necessary for the longevity of the club. The interest and happiness of the community is what makes it all worth it in the eyes of the Merritt Snowmobile Club, and they say that is why they have been able to host such a great event.

members and nonmembers alike.

Every grooming session takes 400 liters of fuel and these are done not only prior to an event, but throughout the whole season. Simon Rizzardo, a vice-president of the club alongside Adam Douthwright, gives his special thanks to the community of Merritt and the volunteers that help make events like this possible.

“Without the interest and support of the community by donating their own time, energy, and vehicles to make this happen, the cost would be too much,” said Rizzardo.

collection hut near Brookmere, and build new emergency warmup huts in the area.

On February 19, 2023, the Merritt Snowmobile Club (MSC) hosted their annual Chili Run event at Andy’s Lake. The event saw participants gather at the Brookmere exit and ride their snowmo-

All of the trails in the area had been groomed prior to the event by the many volunteers within the club; Mat Selzer, Adam McDonald, Adam Douthwright, Lindsay Tighe, Grant Klassen, and Ryan Porada to name a few. These selfless individuals finish their day jobs and then volunteer their time, typically between two and three in the morning when the snow is crystalline and light, to maintain the MSC’s extensive network of trails for

The proceeds from this event and others like it go towards maintaining current facilities and expanding the club’s technology. Last year, the club was able to attach a GPS tracking system to their snow groomer. The club said this added a safety layer for the volunteers while they maintain the tracks at multiple locations. In addition to the funds from fundraisers, the club has received multiple grants from the BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) to upgrade their communications in the fee

Currently, the BCSF has multiple MSC annual award nominations open for voting through email until February 26th. The categories up for nomination include: Groomer of the Year, Youth of the Year, Club of the Year, Family of the Year, Tourism Promotion & Development, Dealer of the Year, Snowmobiler of the Year. For more information on these nominations see the Merritt Snowmobile Club’s Facebook page. Simon Rizzardo from the Merritt Snowmobile Club will be speaking at the awards event in March of this year to explain how their recent upgrades in technology have impacted the safety and functionality of their club.

As the Club celebrates their 50th year, they invite everyone to join them at their Spring Fling dinner and silent auction at the Merritt Legion on April 1st, and for a ride up Thynne Mountain on April 2nd. For more information, visit www.sledmerritt.ca.