The lack of cold weather last winter prompted the organizers of the St. Marys River Roar to cancel the event. Poor ice conditions made it unsafe.
This season is a whole different story. The area has seen plenty of cold to build up the ice on parts of the St. Marys River.
The Cozy Corners in Barbeau is once again hosting the late-winter event Sat. March 1 starting at noon.
Sara Gordon, co-owner of Cozy Corners, is excited that Mother Nature has cooperated because she has a lot of events planned.
"2024 was called off due to poor ice conditions. The ice thickness (now) is over a foot, but lots of snow on top. Since the sprint cars are unfortunately not able to make it this year, the snow isn't a bad thing considering all races are with snowmobiles this year.
"We held the barrel races and kitty cat races in conjunction with the sprint cars for our last event in 2023 which had many participants and was a lot of fun for all ages but something more was definitely needed to fill the absence of the sprint cars this year. Malorie Piche of Piche Racing and I have discussed holding a radar run for a few years now so this was our chance to host one.
"I've been working with the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association on a trail project and they used to hold a radar run back in the day in a field and ran it as a fundraiser so it was a no-brainer to get them involved. They have everything needed in terms of equipment, volunteers, and experience. This year the Piche Racing trailer and race sleds will be set up in the parking lot in addition to an expanded service area (approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the Chippewa County Sheriff's office) for our customers," she said.
The River Roar started a few years ago.
"Our 1st year was 2022. A friend of mine from Kewadin Casino reached out to me about the Great Lakes Super Sprints owner Barry Marlow being in town. One of his cars was on display at the casino for the week of the I-500 and Barry was interested in bringing ice racing to our area. My friend gave Barry my number and we sat down for an introduction and logistics meeting a few days later," she explained.
The population of Barbeau is just over 300 people. This event more than doubles that with the day's event.
"Attendance is typically around 500 people throughout the day. We get tons of compliments for bringing something new and family-friendly to Barbeau. The local convenience store, 'Jimmy's' also benefits from a huge day, much needed in the winter lull," she said.
The key is that this is a day that the whole family will enjoy.
"There is no charge to attend the event and no charge for barrel racers or kitty cat racers. The radar run is a fundraiser for the SSM Snowmobile Assoc. $5 per run or 6 for $20. There are many "classes" based on the cc's of the sled. Registration for all races starts at 11:30 in the Cozy," she concluded.
Molly Escherich will provide musical entertainment at 3:30 p.m. before Gary Hatch takes the stage from 4 p.m-7 p.m.
Kaysner Construction and U.P. Rock n Redi Mix are sponsors.
For more information, click here.
