Riders learn joys of snowmobiling
Katelynn Benward, 12, of Kalispell, a member of the Flathead Snowmobile Association, gives a ride to Jenny Hill of Kalispell on Saturday morning at Centennial Farms.
Paul Koenig gets help with his helmet from Nancy Fitzpatrick on Saturday morning as he prepares to go out for a ride on one of the snowmobiles at Centennial Farms.
Dave Slack instructs Karen Ulrich to hold on as they start off on their ride on Saturday morning at Centennial Farms.
Paul Koenig was visibly and vocally excited as he strapped on a helmet and climbed aboard a snowmobile Saturday at Centennial Farm west of Kalispell.
Moments later, after a ride that took him and the driver in an enormous circle across a snowy field, he was ready to do it again.
“I love snowcatting,” he yelled.
Koenig was one of about 15 developmentally disabled adults offered the opportunity to speed across snow-covered terrain in what has become a 20-year tradition for Flathead Industries.
The nonprofit works with the Flathead Snowmobile Association to provide the rides free.
The property belongs to Les Keller, who says the experience offered to those such as Koenig returns emotional dividends to all involved.
“It’s just the joy of providing them with joy,” Keller said, looking out across a field where three snowmobiles were providing continuous rides to attendees.
Centennial Farm became the venue about six years ago when snow was hard to find on the valley floor.
Flathead Industries employee Donna Collins says the Keller family has been invaluable and selfless in offering their time and property over the years.
“Their family, they just do so much for the community,” she said.
The event would also not be possible if not for the Flathead Snowmobile Association, which provides the snow machines and drivers to make the event a hit for Flathead Industries.
The association’s president, Rick David, stood by the fire with a constant smile as snowmobiles arrived and departed with thrilled passengers over and over again.
“They really wouldn’t have an opportunity to do anything like this otherwise,” he said.
Phil Merritt jumped off a snowmobile with an almost frantic question after his first ride of the day.
“You saw me?” he asked several people as he pulled off his helmet and returned to the fire.
“I’ll be out there the rest of the day doing this,” he said with a broad smile.
Meanwhile, Koenig searched for a helmet and stood by for his next chance to climb aboard a snowmobile.
“No sooner has he got off one then he gets on another,” Collins said. “It means everything to him.”
Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com.