Power sledding ‘The Jack’ celebrates winter fun

The 5th annual Jack Helgren Memorial Snowmobile Race brought as many as 1,500 winter sports enthusiasts to Clear Lake on Saturday, honoring the sport the late Jack Helgren loved.  Helgren, an area businessman who was also an avid snowmobiler and a major promoter of the sport, died in 2009.  

Today, Helgren’s family and friends organize the event in order to raise money for local organizations in an effort to keep his memory alive.

Gary McVicker, a close friend of Jack Helgren and his family, said community support and participation in the event continues to grow.  Jack’s son, John, agreed, saying sponsors and many volunteers have helped to create a quality event which he considers a great tribute to his father.

Although the weather for the event this year was good, gusty winds caused organizers to cut some races short because of poor visibility out on the lake.