Almost 40 people came out this weekend for the annual jet boat rally, in the perfect boating weather.
“I think everybody had fun and even with a few less boats, it was a little happier group,” said Shirley Zelman, co-owner of Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventure and one of the event organizers. “There wasn't as much pressure to get everything done fast.”
During Throughout the day Saturday, Zelman and her husband Darcy held their 7th annual jet boat rally, where the 36 participants drove their jet boats to specific areas. At each area, they took a number. and The three people who got the closestd to the number chosen by the Zelmans won.
“We had 36 boats registered, which is down from the past couple of years, but there are a lot of activities in the area and throughout the province,” said Shirley. “We had a great turnout. We had a wonderful day. Lots of people out. We managed to raise some funds.”
They raised $1,200. -- $600 went to the Riverside Recreation Area for maintenance and upkeep, and the other $600 will be going to the family that lost their home to a fire on Saturday morning.
“We were originally going to donate it to STARS air ambulance, but we took a vote from all the members that were here last night, and we decided to donate that $600 to the family that lost their home to the fire through the lightning the other day,” she said. “$600 isn't much, but we figure they can use the money to get on their feet and grab some things they need right away. It's obviously not something they were expecting to deal with.”
Sunday was the jet boat rodeo. Around 15 boaters came out – all of which participated in the rally the day before – and went through an obstacle course.
“Basically, an obstacle course has been set up for the boaters. So, it's a test of skill and time,” she said. “They're called out and time and the best time is the winner.”
The obstacles included things like popping a balloon and scooping up a soccer ball with a net. Although a lot of it took place quite a ways from the shore, quite a few people came out just to watch.
“Last year we had a few spectators and this year we may have a few more spectators,” Shirley said. “(It’s) people that just hear about it and come out to watch just for fun. It's just a fun event.”
Neither Shirley nor Darcy made any money from the events. After expenses, the donations and the prize money, there isn’t anything left. That’s just how they want it, though.
“It's not a moneymaker for us,” she said. “It's just something that we do to get people out on the river enjoying the day.”
