| Annette Allen seems to enjoy her time on the trails of Emery County. |
Beginning Sept. 6, the Arapeen ATV Jamboree began with increased attendance over its opening numbers in 2003. The largest portion of the riders have come to Emery County from outside the state. Visitors from California, Nevada, Illinois, Florida and Arkansas experienced the Arapeen Trail System and Emery County.
The SouthEastern Utah Off Highway Vehicle Club, Emery County Recreation and Ferron City sponsor the Jamboree each year with hopes of developing Emery County and all it has to offer into a destination for tourism. Jamborees have been a great success in other parts of the country and the state, with the dramatic increase in the number of ATV recreationists.
During the 2003 Jamboree, all of the participants said they were very impressed with the area and vowed to return again this year. True to their word, they are back to visit again from Arizona.
On the first night, participants were treated to an evening on the Reef. A barbecue dinner was served and local cowboy poets Bert Oman and Kent Petersen entertained the crowd. Emery resident Glenys Sitterud also gave a comedic class in the snakes of Emery County. Her final specimen, the water moccasin, an old moccasin in a bucket of water, drew the biggest laughs.
| Riders on the Fix-it Pass ride stop to look at the drip near Coal Wash. |
Everyone rode the trails on the Arapeen Trail System and those in the San Rafael Swell. The splendor of Emery County will be talked about all from coast to coast during the coming months. Participants rode Reeder Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Indian Creek, Fix-It-Pass, Hole Trail and the Club’s poker ride.
Many activities besides riding ATVs were presented for the Jamboree attendees. Each morning before the rides began, a continental breakfast was available for the riders in the Ferron multipurpose building. On Wednesday night, a roast beef dinner was available at Millsite Restaurant. Then on Thursday night after the days riding, the Emery County FFA hosted an ATV Rodeo at the Ferron Fairgrounds.
To cap off the week, following Fridays rides, a traditional Emery County lamb fry was held at the Ferron Senior Center. The SEUOHVC gave away many prizes including an Arctic Cat ATV, donated by High Velocity, and an ATV trailer, donated by B&K’s Stop and Shop. Winner of the ATV was Angela Harvey, of Emery, and the trailer was won by Ken Maxfield, of Castle Dale.
With fresh experiences and ideas, the Jamboree committee is already looking forward to next year with hopes of an even bigger event. For more information concerning the Jamboree or to join the SEUOHVC call Mark H. Williams at 381-2493 or visit the website www.arapeenatvjam.com.