Sno-Eagles cash raffle slated for this Saturday

As summer winds down, area snowmobile enthusiasts are already turning their attention toward the upcoming winter season.

Roger Rosenthal, Sno-Eagles president, reported earlier this month that the club recently held its first board of directors meeting, and plans for brushing days, fundraisers and the 2025-26 budget were all topics of discussion.

The club’s cash raffle fundraising event will be held this coming Saturday, Aug. 30, starting at 11 a.m. at Buckshot’s North on Highway 45 where attendees can try their luck at winning 60-70 different basket raffles. The big event will be at 3 p.m. when the $10,000 cash raffle ticket is pulled. The day will also offer food and fun, and a cash bar will be available.

Rosenthal noted that fundraising is an important part of keeping trails up throughout the winter season.

“Maintaining three groomers and fuel costs is a big expense,” he said. “Being at the center of Vilas County, there is much activity that happens, and quite a bit of traffic on our trails. We work very, very hard to try and keep up with the trails.”

The last few winters of little or no snow have caused big problems for area snowmobile clubs that rely on state reimbursement for trail maintenance.

“If we get little snow, we can’t groom. If we can’t groom, then we don’t earn money from the state. It’s a vicious cycle,” Rosenthal explained. He applauded the efforts of local groomer personnel and volunteers who donate their time, but stressed that it’s often not enough to cover the costs.

One way people can assist is by coming out to lend a hand during the club’s two upcoming brushing days in October, slated to take place Saturdays, Oct. 11 and 25.

Brushing will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch provided by the club. Those looking to sign up can do so on the Sno-Eagles website at sno-eagles.org.