The village of Almena hosted a third annual Barnebirkie ski event on Friday afternoon near the village shop with three races — 3K, 1K and 0.5K. The temperature at race time was 10 degrees. All Barron Area School District elementary students were welcome to participate, and for the first time some Turtle Lake students took part. Parents and teachers oversaw the start and finish lines and were scattered along the routes. Goldie the Barron bear mascot rang cow bells and gave high fives while members of the Barron Kiwanis Club provided bananas, cookies and hot chocolate to the finishers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Goldie the bear mascot poses with skiers pre-race.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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The 3K racers started off the afternoon.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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And they're off!
Barnebirkie at Almena
The 3K was the largest of the three heats of skiers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Wipe-outs happen, but no injuries reported.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Volunteers sign up skiers, hand out skis for the 1K.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Dad helps 4Ker Opal Junkins get a pair of skis on for her first race.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Goldie the bear peps up the next round of skiers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Group of skiers prepare to ski the 1K route.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Slow and steady, off they go!
Barnebirkie at Almena
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First skier glides in from the 3K with no close competitor.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Parents guide the littlest skiers in the half kilometer event.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Short like penguins, off go the littlest skiers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Goldie the bear and others cheer on skiers who cross the finish line.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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One by one, in come the skiers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Line of skiers seen making it across the last stretch.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Cheers, cow bells and medals greet the finishers.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Nearing the finish line.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Skiers make final push at race's end.
Barnebirkie at Almena
Barron Kiwanis member Sharon Masek helps skiers refuel with cookies and bananas.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Barron Kiwanis members Sandy Peterson and Sharon Masek warm skiers with cups of hot chocolate.
Barnebirkie at Almena
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Skiers with snacks relax on snowbanks.
(Copyright © 2023 APG Media)
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