CRAWFORD COUNTY – Looking for an upbeat Winter activity? Don’t let the cold weather keep you in. It’ time for the 13th Annual Snowmobile Fun Run to benefit Crawford County United Way.
Funds being raised for the Fun Run will stay in the county to help boost the annual allocation fund distributed to our local human services agencies and community projects serving citizens of Crawford County. The event is scheduled for Feb. 13.
You do not need a snowmobile to participate, everyone is welcome and can take their personal vehicle. If inclement weather, participants will take their own personal vehicles.
Entry fee for the Fun Run is only a $25 per person donation to the Crawford County United Way. Your $25 donation entitles you to a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last) with brunch at The Swamp II upon check-in from 10:30-12:30 p.m. a special ‘Jimmy Buffet’ themed party at Tinker’ Junction in Grayling at 8:00 pm which includes dinner, entertainment, dancing, and prizes, plus a live radio remote from 98.5 UPS, provided by Matt LaFontaine Automotive.
Riders will take a leisurely ride starting at the Swamp II in Frederic (registration/check-in is from 10:30-12:30), and stopping at Mama Leone’ in Gaylord, The Keg in Waters, Dead Bear Brewing in Grayling and ending at Tinker’ Junction in Grayling at 8 p.m.
Tinker’ Junction, formerly The Ole Barn, is a new ending point for the snowmobile group party. The owners Katie Tinker and her husband Dana Metheney, as life-long residents of Grayling, are proud to support local organizations, and be involved in the community.
‘Tinker’ family and the Tinker’ Team are looking forward to having the snowmobile group here, we are proud to showcase Grayling and all Crawford County has to offer,’ said Katie Tinker, ‘Crawford County has so much to do in every season.’
The annual Fun Run was originated by Mary Becker of Grayling, who had purchased a cabin in the area for snowmobiling back in 2001.
‘My husband, Mark, and I were tired of trailering our snowmobiles all over the state, including the U.P., winter road conditions are tough pulling a trailer from the Detroit suburbs. We really loved the Grayling/Frederic area, so one summer we just started driving around, going up and down all the roads that were close to the snowmobile trails looking for homes for sale,’ Becker said. ‘It was the beginning of a dream coming true for us. We found ourselves spending almost every weekend up here.’
Becker said when they moved here it was obvious there were some needs in the county.
‘We wanted to help people who needed it,’ Becker said. ‘And United Way is a great venue for that.’
The event raised more than $1,500 last year. Becker also coordinates the annual horseshoe tournament to benefit Crawford County United Way as well.
‘We are so fortunate to have Mary organize the Fun Run to benefit Crawford County United Way,’ said Executive Director Cheryll Ruley. ‘Our mission is to help local agencies meet their goals, serving the most vulnerable people in our community. This event is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year GǪ We are so grateful for the support of so many inside and out of this community. (This event makes) a big difference for many people.’
Several businesses have come together to help support this unique Crawford County project:
98.5 UPS (Black Diamond Broadcasting);
Crawford County Voice;
The Swamp II in Frederic;
Mama Leone’ in Gaylord;
The Keg in Waters;
and these businesses in Grayling:
Tinker’ Junction;
BC Pizza;
Dead Bear Brewing;
Jansen Insurance;
and Matt LaFontaine Automotive.
‘I am very happy at the businesses stepping up to support our local community, we really need it, it’ such a great cause,’ Becker said. ‘I’m excited to see the core snowmobile group come back and I look forward to meeting all the new (riders). We’ve built a lot of life-long friendships from this event and more to come!’
To register for the event visit www.crawfordunitedway.org; request a form via email to crawforduw@gmail.com; or contact Mary Becker by email mary@wups.com, or call 586-242-1179.
Pre-registration is highly encouraged so meals can be planned.
