Perfect weather for snow fun

The weather panned out for this year's 31st Cabinet Ridge Riders (CRR) annual snowmobile fun run. 263 riders signed up to participate in this year's event, which was quite a jump from last year's 180 riders. "It was a really good turnout," said Shelly Anderson, treasurer for CRR. "The weather was great and all the riders did well."

Riders started the run Saturday morning and those who participated in the poker run drew their first hand at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek. Riders stopped at three more stations along the trail before drawing their last hand at 5 p.m. back at the Lakeside. Riders also had the chance to take a break at the warming station along the trail to enjoy hot dogs and chili which was served by CRR.

The snowmobile fun run serves to be one of the biggest fundraisers for CRR during the year. Money brought in from the group's events goes right back out to the community. "We give out $1,000 grants to graduating seniors in Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains and Hot Springs," Anderson said. "We also donate to the food banks and local ambulances." The total amount given to Sanders County on behalf of CRR for 2021 totaled to $16,645. As of Tuesday, CRR was still totaling funds brought in from the 2022 snowmobile fun run.

"We had awesome auction items this year," said Anderson. "Kevin Hill always does an amazing job as the auctioneer." This year's raffle winners were Ray VanOman, who took home the Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol, Kurt Swanson won the Henry 22 rifle, Jared Mellott won the Cooler of Joy and Ginny Flewelling won the 50/50 raffle.