麻豆社区

Ski club operations manager Mike Gladish called it the longest lineup he's ever seen.

The Whitehorse Nordic Centre was bustling Saturday morning for the annual ski swap, and the lineup in front of the doors prior to the 9 a.m. opening was indicative of the day's success.

"I got here at about quarter to seven, and there were already people coming to the door,鈥� Gladish told the Star. "By 9 o'clock, the lineup wound from the Grey Mountain

Room back to the curling lounge and then back to the Grey Mountain Room, down the stairs, into the wax room, down to the end of the wax room and back up around the wax room.鈥�

Gladish guessed 300 people were in the lineup for the heavily-anticipated bargain swap.

Skis, skates, coats, snowshoes and even bicycles were all for sale at the event, and all at great prices.

"I think we had twice as much stuff this year as we usually do,鈥� Gladish explained.

The event, which usually raises between $3- and $4,000 for the cross-country ski club, saw totals near $7,000 this year.

"It's significant fundraising,鈥� Gladish said. "It's the single biggest amount of money we raise in the year. This year we had a big jump.鈥�

Despite the increased revenue, the newly-minted city councillor said the focus continues to remain on the event itself.

"It's more about generating the interest in the new ski season, that sort of thing,鈥� he said.

Gladish pointed to population growth and new interest in cross-country skiing as reasons for the increased funds.

"There are more people getting into it,鈥� he said. "There are more people moving here because of the outdoor lifestyle.鈥�

Also of note, the ski bridge over Sumanik Drive has been repaired.