Pubdate: Wed, 09 Feb 2005 Source: Nipawin Journal, The (CN SN) Copyright: 2005 The Nipawin Journal Contact: http://www.nipawinjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/867 Author: Brian McLane, Journal Staff Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) YOUTH DRUG AWARENESS FOCUS OF P.E.A.C.E. 100 The biggest beneficiary of the 15th annual PEACE 100 snowmobile rally which gets underway in Nipawin February 11 and 12 will be the province's youth, says Nipawin Elk Pete Moisan, chairman of the 2005 PEACE 100 committee. "We're making an investment in the communities of Saskatchewan through youth drug awareness programs," said Moisan. PEACE is an acronym for Police and Elks Assisting Community Education. The snowmobile rally started in Nipawin in 1991 and is sponsored annually by Saskatchewan Elks, Royal Purple and RCMP. That first rally saw 173 registered riders and raised $25,000. Over the years, the PEACE 100 has continued to grow. In 1998 the local Elks and Royal Purple PEACE 100 committee were nominated for a Saskatchewan Tourism Award. In 2003, the rally raised more than $40,000 for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. Last year, the rally raised just over $20,000 but organizers say there was more snow in southern Saskatchewan than in previous years. Others benefiting from the 2005 PEACE 100 are the participants who enjoy local hospitality and fellowship, a day of snowmobiling on some of the best trails in Saskatchewan, and who are eligible for $1,998 in cash rider prizes. The Nipawin Credit Union is sponsoring $999 in cash prizes for riders, $500 for first prize and $499 for second prize. The Nipawin Elks and Royal Purple are also sponsoring $999 in rider cash prizes as follows, $250 first prize, $250 second prize, $250 third prize and $249 fourth prize. Riders taking part in the PEACE 100 snowmobile rally pay a $10 entry fee. This year's schedule of events includes casino nights, hosted by Nipawin Elks, Royal Purple and RCMP, in the Elks' hall Friday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and in the Evergreen Centre Saturday night following the banquet. Everyone is welcome to the casino nights which offer $2,000 of free play money together with a large assortment of prizes. Registration and entertainment takes place in the Elks' Hall at 310 First Street West from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday. Courtesy cars are available by phoning 862-4416. All events on Saturday take place at the Nipawin Evergreen Centre at Seventh Street North continuing with registration from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The official start of the rally gets underway at 10 a.m. with a free lunch along the trail. Cocktails are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by a banquet and awards with entertainment to follow. A midnight lunch will also be served. The fundraiser also provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute to youth drug awareness programs in Saskatchewan by purchasing a ticket ($2 each or three for $5) on 12 available prizes including the first prize, a 2005 Ski-Doo Expedition Sport 550 Fan snowmobile, supplied by Seasons Edge, Nipawin. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek