Monticello Trailblazers celebrate 25th anniversary
On Sunday, Jan. 23, The Monticello Trailblazers Snowmobile Club hosted a celebration at their shed on snowmobile trail 34 in Monticello. They roasted hot dogs, shared hot chocolate, and stayed warm by a bonfire. Around 40 people snowmobiled out to join the Trailblazers in their celebration.
The Monticello Trailblazers Snowmobile Club was established in 1997. The Trailblazers maintain parts of the 300 miles of snowmobile trails in Wright County and around the Monticello area.
The Trailblazers belong to the Wright County Snowmobile Association (WCSA). They partner with WCSA to maintain trails is the area.
The club starts maintaining the trails in the fall. They also put up signage along the trails, so they are properly marked. In the spring, they take down markings along the trails and signs so that it does not interfere with local farming and land use. The goal is to ensure the trails are properly maintained all year-round and safe for all.
Treasurer of the Monticello Trailblazers, Dane Hasbrouck, of Monticello, has been a member of the club since its beginning in 1997. “The Trailblazers members are extremely appreciative of the support from the community over the past 25 years,” Hasbrouck said.
Three other members have been part of the club since 1997 along with Dane. His wife, Barb Hasbrouck, Marty Posthumus and Patti Roggenkamp have also been snowmobiling with the Trailblazers for 25 years.
The club currently has 39 families participating. There are four DNR Certified Youth Snowmobile safety instructors in the group. In October, the Trailblazers held a snowmobiling safety class. The class was well attended with 45 students showing up to learn more about snowmobiling.
Dane shared his favorite aspect about being part of the Trailblazers is getting to know people interested in the sport, “It is the people with a common interest that I enjoy most.” The group is able to provide great recreation opportunities for the community.
The Trailblazers have a history of being involved in the community. The group has generously given scholarships to Monticello High School students over the years and have offered classes that are open to the public.
The club hosts meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. For location of the meetings, contact the Monticello Trailblazers for more information. If you are interested in joining the club, visit their website at montisnow.com or email snow@montisnow.com.
