Elks' Snowmobile Poker Rally

Participant leaving the staging area with ticket tents in the background. The Caroline Elks held their annual poker rally last Sunday, January 3, at the Phyllis Lake staging area west of Caroline. The event took place in glorious cold winter weather with a good snow pack on the trail, leaving out quad riders in this year's event. Elks representative Dave Johnson said that some 160 cards were sold to trail enthusiasts riding more than 100 sleds around the track. As usual, there was a choice between a long track of 45 miles and a shorter one measuring 30 miles. Nobody got hurt and only one sled needed a tow out of the bush. Proceeds from this event are divided out in the form of prizes, and income for the Caroline Elks Club which is donated to charity.
A late arriving group of quaders were disappointed to learn the trail was off limits to them this year. However they took it in their stride and made a donation to the Elks. The Ladies of the Royal Purple were also present at the staging area, selling lunches and hot beverages. The Elks' Poker Rally has been an annual event in the Caroline area for a long time and involves a lot of volunteer hours to lay out the trail, clear and set up the staging area, and wrap it all up after the event. Another event hosted by the Elks is the annual Wild Game Supper in the fall.