Manawa snowmobile races start Saturday

Harmony Rice will reign over the 10th annual Manawa Snodeo on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19, at Bear Lake, Manawa.

The Snodeo court includes Queen Runner-up Brennya Lunde, Princess Matayah Pethke, Princess Kassidee Zander, Junior Princess Ellie Schneiderwent and Junior Princess Lillian Schneiderwent.

Rice was chosen as queen for her leadership qualities and her involvement in the community. She is a senior at Clintonville High School and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in the fall and major in marketing.

“My community means unity, support and family,” Rice said. “Living in a small community has allowed me to grow closer to people and create strong, lifelong friendships.”

Lunde is a senior at Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School. She has also been involved in the community in a variety of ways, including FFA, Art Club, volunteering at the local library, teaching Sunday school and helping with vacation Bible school. Also her family is currently hosting a foreign exchange student.

These young ladies will assist with the two-day Snodeo event which will feature racers displaying their talents on a two-mile slalom lake course, one-third mile oval track and a 1,000-foot radar run.

New this year will be the U.S. Nationals Challenge in which one racer, one sled, one chassis will test their skills on three different race tracks and be crowned overall winner with a price package totaling $1,500.

Festivities kick off at noon Friday, Feb. 18, with the fourth annual Ride with the Vets. This event is open to any veteran. There will be a luncheon at noon with a trail ride to follow. Snowmobiles and gear will be available for veteran that is interested.

Saturday and Sunday will feature four tracks of racing with the WKCR Championship scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.manawasnodeo.org.