Kelowna 
Rossland’s annual Sonny Samuelson Bobsled Race returns this Saturday after a four-year break.
Credit: Sonny Samuelson Bobsled Race
Set to take place on Saturday, January 27th, at 9 a.m., the event is expected to be more spectacular, drawing teams and community members alike for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie.
Approximately 120 participants, forming 30 teams, are gearing up to race their homemade bobsleds down a challenging eight-block stretch of Spokane Street. Each team, comprising four members, will navigate their sleds, weighing between 600-800 lbs, in what has become a beloved tradition in the region.
Significant emphasis has been placed on safety this year, with organizers implementing numerous measures. These include the doubling of hay bales to 60, enhanced signage, extra exclusion zones, and an increased volunteer presence with 20 additional flaggers. These flaggers will regulate sled speeds to respond swiftly to any track interference. Moreover, private security has been heightened with six guards on duty, and spectators are being educated on the potential hazards.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, a new “spec-tations” code of conduct for spectators has been introduced. Key elements of this code include a strict prohibition of anyone on the racecourse during the event, delineated spectator zones marked by security tape, and specific times for crossing the track, as determined by security. Air horn signals will communicate the race’s status, with three long blasts indicating an ongoing race and two short blasts signaling a standby.
The race has garnered increased attention and support, with a higher entry fee of $200 per sled to cover the enhanced safety and logistic measures. Kootenay Deluxe Construction has joined as a corporate sponsor, and AM Ford’s Tower of Power timing station will feature a new Ford electric truck.
Spectators can expect to see a range of unique sleds, such as Woody’s Tire, Iron Maiden, and Marion’s Eager Beaver, which boasts a top speed of 72 km per hour at the event, a highlight of Rossland Winter Carnival.
Rossland Winter Carnival Bobsled Race
When: Saturday, January 27th, at 9 a.m.,
Final inspection and race order will be set at the Calcutta, held Thursday, Jan 25th at 5:30 p.m. at the Rossland Legion. Attendees will have the opportunity to bet on their favourite teams, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the race.
Where: down Spokane St., Rossland
How much: Free
