Image Supplied

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

UPDATE, Feb. 14:

The showcase of creativity and cardboard toboggans originally scheduled on Feb. 19 has been postponed until March 2 at 1 p.m. 

This allows time for more entries and heightened excitement for the racing event, Cap Eugene Sauve, mayor of Shilo Community Council said on Feb. 14. 

He added the lovely weather and lack of snow has also added to the reasons to postpone. 

The event, now re-booked for a Saturday, will still be held at the same time, same place but with an added bonus of a trophy for the winner. 

ORIGINAL:

It will likely be a slippery slope for contenders and participants on the first Shilo Sled Day, Feb. 19, where the creation of cardboard toboggans will be judged for speed, creativity and size.

“This is an initiative aimed at CAF member individuals, Shilo civilian personnel and families to foster some friendly competition and to get creative with designing their own cardboard toboggans,” said Captain Eugene Sauve, “mayor” of the Shilo Community Council, who is hosting the event.

Canadian Armed Forces members, families and civilian personnel are invited to build a bobsled out of cardboard, which can be obtained from General Strange Hall (GSH), to have some fun on the provincial holiday.

The day isn’t just limited to downhill luge at the Dog Park Bunny Hill.

“In addition to the toboggan races, we will be hosting potato bag races, frisbee toss, and a “paint the snow” side activity – coffee and hot chocolate will be available at the event,” he said, adding races start at 1 p.m. (13:00) followed by prize giving at 2 p.m (14:00).

The fun and free activity is to help boost morale in the cold Shilo winter.

“This is a great opportunity to build further community connections and meet your neighbours,” Cap Sauve said.

Judging will include four categories: fastest toboggan, smallest toboggan, most giant toboggan, and most creative toboggan, with winners receiving $25 gift cards in each sled class.

“This will be the first time Shilo is doing an event of this nature; if it goes well, it is something the SCC would like to make a reoccurring item in the years to come.”

Competitors can get creative with tape, glue, aluminum foil, shower curtains, and garbage bags. Wood, metal, fibreglass and moulded plastic will not be accepted for the competition. Additional items may be used on the underside of the sleigh, but a traditional sled or “crazy carpet” may not be attached, Sauve explained. Free cardboard can be picked up at the GSH Theatre.

Participants can register by emailing shilorecreation@gmail.com or by phoning (204) 765 3000 ext 2584312.