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Red Arrow corn roast scheduled for Saturday, with COVID-19 protocols

September 8, 2020



TOWNSEND (WLUK) -- People in the Northwood community of Townsend are gearing up for a seasonal celebration, which doubles as a fundraiser.

The 14th annual Red Arrow Snowmobile-ATV Club Corn Roast is Saturday. But with COVID-19 considerations in place, this year's event will have some changes.

The big white tents are up, and the tables are set. The Red Arrow Corn Roast is just about ready to go.

"It's going to be a good time had by all. Free sweet corn. Brats, hamburgers, hot dogs," said Gary Wagner, Red Arrow Snowmobile-ATV Club President.

But new this year, social distancing, and hand sanitizer stations are also part of the program.

A typical corn roast can draw about 1,000 people to the Townsend area, from the Fox Valley, to the U.P. of Michigan. Club leaders say the crowd is something to consider.

"This being outside, we've checked with medical personnel, and everything, and they said that being in a tent, and in an environment as such, to go ahead, and people can come and go as they wish," said Wagner.

Wagner says volunteers will help with food service. Club Member Dave Craanen says volunteers need to be careful.

"You try to do everything you can to keep stuff as clean as you can, and making sure everything is clean after every transaction," said Dave Craanen, Red Arrow Snowmobile-ATV Club Member.

People can expect more room to eat.

"We spread the tables out much, much more than we normally would. Those tables are separated quite well," said Wagner.

Wagner says the coronavirus caused many cancelations across the Northwoods, including some Red Arrow events. He says the corn roast is a major fundraiser for the club, providing money for new equipment, and maintaining the miles of snowmobile, and ATV trails in the area.

The event starts on Saturday morning with an ATV parade leading to the roast, at the Old Town Hall on Highway 32 in Townsend.

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