No snow? No problem. Cook County Snowmobile Club embraces lūʻau-theme for upcoming 15th annual Fun Run

This Saturday, the Cook County Snowmobile Club will swap out the neck warmers and snow pants for tropical attire during the 15th annual Fun Run event. 

The annual Fun Run is an event where participants typically snowmobile to seven checkpoints and play games to earn points. The seven checkpoints for the 2024 Fun Run are Skyport Lodge, Trail Center, Poplar Haus, White Pine Lodge, Hungry Jack Lodge, Gunflint Pines, and Gunflint Lodge. The individual with the most points at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, wins $500. 

Given the lack of snow in much of Cook County, the snowmobile club had to face the reality that this year’s event wouldn’t occur via snowmobile. 

“Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not grant us with our preferred snowy winter. However, we aren’t going to let that stop our fun!” the Cook County Snowmobile Club – Ridge Riders said in a recent Facebook post. 

Instead, the club is recommending that participants drive to checkpoints with their vehicles.

If an individual does decide to venture out on the trails with a snowmobile, the club said, “The conditions on the trails at this time vary in locations – and they are not groomed – so please ride at your own risk.”

After making the checkpoint rounds and earning points, participants and the Cook County Snowmobile Club will gather at Hungry Jack Lodge at 6 p.m. to enjoy a tropical lūʻau Party. 

“Hungry Jack Lodge checkpoint will be having a lūʻau party all day,” the snowmobile club’s Facebook post said. “Wear your best lūʻau attire/tropical shirt for a chance to win prizes.”

The lūʻau party will include tropical drinks and an opportunity for participants to enjoy a vintage snowmobile beach photo shoot. The snowmobile club said, “Embrace the weekend as we work with what we’ve got this winter.”

During the tropical lūʻau party at Hungry Jack Lodge, the winners of the Fun Run will be announced. 

Registration for the Fun Run is available on Friday, Feb. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skyport Lodge. 

Following the Fun Run, the snowmobile club hosts two more drag races and the annual Trout Derby. 

Kalli Hawkins February 1, 2024