RANGELEY – Organizers of the attempt to break a world record snowmobile ride in a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation were positively ecstatic with the turnout in the midst of Saturday’s blizzard.
Over $6,500 was raised during the event on Saturday afternoon for CF with 157 sleds riding in a 30-mile loop from Oquossoc around the lake and back through Rangeley.
The goal was to try and break the current Guinness World Records of the largest snowmobile parade. That record was set in 2004 when a lineup of 820 sleds rode a 29-mile course in Roseau, Minn.
With so many riders willing to travel to the event during a snowstorm that dumped nearly a foot of snow across western Maine, an organizer Jim Milligan said the event “was a tremendous success.”
“It was fantastic,” he said and added the ride up Main Street in Rangeley as the storm raged on, was quite a sight to see. “We pray for snow and we’re delighted up here we got it,” he said.
Riders purchased $10 decal to participate, but gave much more than that. Proceeds to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northern New England totaled $6,500 on Saturday with more donations continuing to come in after the event.
Five-year-old Ayisha of Lewiston, led the parade.
“Ayisha was absolutely charming and full of personality,” said Judy Morton, Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce executive director. Morton helped organize the event with Milligan, other businesses and residents.
“Considering the huge snowstorm in New England, we certainly raised enough money to make this a worthwhile event,” Morton said.
Even though the official count of 157 sleds was perhaps far off the Minnesota record of 820, Morton said, “this could be called the Rangeley world record snowmobile ride for charity. It certainly was the biggest, longest (at 30 miles) Rangeley ride and we don’t think a ride for charity has ever been documented.”
Milligan said they’ve already set the date of Feb. 8, 2014 for the second annual attempt to break the world’s record.
“We’re all very excited to make this an annual event. The warmth and good feelings generated during this event certainly made the effort worthwhile,” Morton said.
What a beautiful little girl.
I am glad that you were able to host the event and had success even with the storm.
It’s too bad you folks didn’t have a storm date or would plan another attempt at the world record as you didn’t even come close. On a non-blizzard day as I am sure the world record would be easily beaten!
I’m sure the weather conditions made it unsafe for the arial photograph.
Thoughts and prayers.