Hello Clam Lake!
Our weather, once again, was all over the place. We had a bit of sun, a bit of clouds, some snow and one very cold day! Thankfully, only one. Temps on Thursday barely got above zero! Brrrrr! Thankfully the temps rebounded.
The village remains busy with lots of sleds out and about. The President’s Day weekend is always a busy time for our area with people taking a long weekend. Many show up on Thursday and stay thru Monday. We are happy to have them, as always!
Tis the season for races. Both the Barstool Races in Drummond and the Toilet Seat Races in Glidden were held this past weekend. Of course, soon the biggest winter race of them all will be upon us – Birkebeiner 2020! This event was begun in 1973 so this will be the 47th year that cross country skiers have flooded our area to participate in the race which brings people from many countries and places to compete in the 50 km freestyle or the 55 km classic race. Over 10,000 skiers come to the northland to participate with many of them seeking lodging, food and everything that goes with it. We, in Clam Lake, are only too happy to oblige! Birkebeiner 2020 will be held on Saturday, February 22 so get your cowbells ready!
Speaking of Birkebeiner calls to mind Mt.Telemark and the creator of it all – Tony Wise. I think everyone growing up or living around Clam Lake worked at Mt. Telemark at one time or another (myself in 1973). There was always a job to be had either working in one of the restaurants, taking care of the lodge and it’s many shops, making snow, manning the Colosseum…..whatever was needed. In it’s day it was quite THE place. Who could forget walking in to be met by that massive fireplace? – with famous faces from many walks of life coming to stay at the famed ski resort. Entertainers like Ricky Nelson, Woody Herman and Jerry Lee Lewis played there. When the Birkebeiner started it began in Hayward and ended at Mt. Telemark which is pretty much the reverse of it’s route today. After the race, Mt. Telemark was packed to the rafters with celebrants. Lots of great memories! As they say…..”those were the days!”
GET WELL WISHES go out to MaryAnn Reinders whom is home recuperating from surgery. We all wish her a speedy recovery and hope she feels better soon!
RECAP: Saturday February 8th, the Forest Riders held a meat raffle at Ransom’s Place. Here are some of the highlights courtesy of Don Diehls. “Once again a successful fundraiser for our club. Thank you to all! Winners were pretty evenly distributed amongst the crowd which included visiting snowmobilers, locals and of course, the Glidden Boys. Roger Anderson won a box!!! finally breaking his long time losing streak. Congrats to him! Brenda Brueske and her snowmobiling group of super heroes dropped by adding to the fun and winning a couple boxes in the process. The last meat raffle of the year is scheduled for Saturday March 7th starting at 3:00 pm. Come and join the fun and possibly win some premium meat from the Sixth Street Market in Ashland.” Sounds like a good time was had by all!
Due to Thursday’s cold weather, the Clam Lake Community Club monthly meeting was cancelled by President Bud Rubeck. The next meeting will be on Thursday March 12th starting at 5:00.
Until next week….keep ‘er movin’…..
Pictured is Alason Vecchie, seasonal Clam Laker, competing in the 2020 Barstool Races in Drummond.