Photo Courtesy of Gary McCormick
By Briana Rupel
Beacon Correspondent
A decades-long tradition will continue Saturday, Feb. 14, on the steep, snowy slope of Bayshore Hill facing West Bay in Grand Marais.
A new generation of kids has been drawing up plans and stockpiling cardboard with hopes of building an epic entry for the annual Cardboard Sled Classic presented by the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce.
“Sledding is fun,” 10-year-old Cabrian Hautala said. “But it’s more about building it and seeing how it works.”
Last year, Hautala created a car with his cardboard — and loads of tape. This year, he’s got his eye on building a faster model by making the bottom more sturdy.
“The appeal is really the uniqueness of the sleds and how they’re decorated,” Chamber Secretary Kelly Cleary said. “And the number of people they can fit in there!”
Participants can show off their creativity in one of three categories: Traditional, Modified and Themed. Traditional participants are required to work with only the basics — cardboard, paint, glue and tape. A step up into the Modified category allows for sled bottoms and runners to be built from any material, such as wood or plastic. Those who love a theme are encouraged to fully get into it with a fun concept for their sled and team, complete with costumes and accessories.
Prizes will be awarded to those who travel the farthest in each category. Of course, spectators are encouraged to watch from the pavilion area and cheer on the sledders.
“Oh, the crowd gets into it,” Cleary said. “Everyone wants to see all the sleds make it to the bottom. You just never know what’s going to happen.”
Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. at the pavilion on Grand Marais Avenue. Races begin at 3 p.m.
This event is for children under 18, but if enough adults express interest, organizers may consider an adult category in the future.