Snow_rodeo

Jeff Green | Feb 07, 2008

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The 6th annual Snow Rodeo is being held this year at Sharbot Lake High School on Saturday February 16, 10 am to 3 pm. It promises to be a fun-filled day with a variety of activities for both experienced riders and those who would like to learn more. Originally held in Kingston and then Odessa, the event was moved to Sharbot Lake in 2007, and receives tremendous support and commitment from many community partners. This year financial support has been generously provided by the Sharbot Lake District Snow Riders as well as Allstate Insurance.

Activities will include an ATV Rally organized by the Frontenac ATV Club, and a Snowmobile Poker Run (weather permitting) organized by the Snow Road Snowmobile Club. The public is welcome to visit the Snow Road Club, which will be hosting a breakfast from 8 am to 11 am, as well as an after-ride dinner. As well, a Skills Course is planned courtesy of MotoSport Plus, Ward’s Marine, and the Frontenac ATV Club. Adults and children 12 and over will have the opportunity to ride an appropriate sized machine on a course where they will learn safe riding skills and the need for proper safety training. Free rides will be offered on a 2-person Arctic Cat courtesy of L.D. Powersports, and on Obie, the model train from CN. Other activities include a mock trail crash, fire extinguisher demo, ATV safety presentation, and an impaired reality on the trails activity. Indoor activities will include displays, video games, giveaways and door prizes, including a grand prize draw for a Lowrance H2O Handheld GPS donated by Linden AudioTronic.

And thanks to the students at Sharbot Lake High School there will be a canteen where chili, buns, drinks, and desserts will be sold as a fundraiser for the students.

The organizing committee is part of the Greater Kingston Area Safe & Sober Community Alliance and represents public safety, education, enforcement, private business, and local ATV and Snowmobile Clubs. Their common goal is to promote the fun, responsible and safe use of off road vehicles. Safe riding means riding within your capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain, wearing a helmet, never drinking alcohol or using drugs before or while riding, and being prepared for sudden dangerous situations.

Most snowmobile and ATV injuries and deaths are predictable and preventable. “We’re reminding all riders to get trained, be prepared and to stay sober until the ride is over,” says Tanya Beattie, Public Health Promoter with KFL&A Public Health and chair of the organizing committee. “Sober means no alcohol or other drugs, being wide awake and not being distracted.” For more information call Tanya Beattie at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 ext 293.