Scott Nieuwenkamp, 66, one of the three original founders of the event, said well over 300 participants took part in the 22- to 24-mile round-trip ride held Friday, Jan. 30.

While the number of attendees was a bit harder to gauge on Saturday during the snowmobile show and swap, Nieuwenkamp noted the group’s clubhouse was consistently packed.

In addition to the strong turnout, the event generated significant support for local causes. According to Nieuwenkamp, more than 350 pounds of non-perishable food and $1,100 were collected and will be distributed among three area food pantries.

Funds raised through raffles will also benefit area school scholarships, though the final amount has yet to be determined. Nieuwenkamp said the number of schools supported by the group has grown over the years as the event’s fundraising success has increased.

The 20th annual Rapid River Relic Riders event drew hundreds of snowmobile riders, some local and some who return to the area every winter for the ride. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Shope)

“Each year that went by, we’re making a little more money, so we spread it out.”

While snowmobiling is at the heart of the event, Nieuwenkamp said the real value lies in bringing people together.

“I’ve seen enough snowmobiles in my life that I don’t, you know, it’s still cool to me, but the most important part to me is that Friday and Saturday, we have this little event in our little town, and we draw in a ton of people,” Nieuwenkamp stated. “And what I get enjoyment out of is the happiness I notice on (everybody’s faces).”

Before the ride begins, participants stand with their helmets off for the national anthem – a moment Nieuwenkamp says captures the spirit of the weekend.

“There isn’t a person without a smile on their face,” he added.

Nieuwenkamp also emphasized the importance of the event as a social gathering in a time when neighbors don’t have as many chances to connect as they once did.

“We don’t seem to gather like we used to,” he said. “(Attendees) get to come in the hall and talk with people. A lot of it isn’t about snowmobiles. It’s just basically socializing, you know? And that’s why we do it.”

Over its 20-year history, the group has donated to numerous organizations and individuals, including cancer victims, the YMCA, Scouting America, fire victims and more.

Reflecting on the event’s humble beginnings, Nieuwenkamp said its growth has far exceeded what he and founders David Shope and Mark Caswel ever thought would be possible.

“It sounds kind of corny, but there were a few little kids from Rapid River that made this happen. And it was in the back of my garage one night, and we decided to do it. We never, ever dreamed that it would turn out like this.”

According to Nieuwenkamp, the first year of the ride drew just 12 riders – a vast difference from the hundreds who now gather in Rapid River each winter to honor the tradition.