They've wowed the crowd as intermission performers at the mud bogs in 2011 and 2013 but now the members of the Live Ammo freestyle group will take centre stage as the star performers at an aerial snowmobile demonstration behind the Thompson Regional Community Centre on April 12.
The demonstration, which will take place on the football/soccer field east of the recreation centre, is being organized by the Northern Manitoba Off Road Association (N.M.O.R.A.), which has experience organizing the mud bogs and snowmobile drag races, and whose president Dennis Foley appeared before city council March 17 to request the use of the field.
“They've performed at two of our events already as a sideshow just to kind of keep the crowd going,” said Foley. “This year, with the partnership with my group we're going to do a show basically just for them on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Insurance will all be covered by my organization the Northern Manitoba Off Road Association. We are a not-for-profit group, we are incorporated so we've got all that covered. We're just going to be basically doing all the paperwork and letting these guys perform.”
In addition to local performers, the demonstration will also include participants from Winnipeg and possibly some from The Pas. Foley told council that the groups putting on the show would do all the preparation work.
“Basically the way the set-up is going to be is the guys are going to bring in an already-built ramp,” Foley said. “All we need to do is put a pile of snow that will be groomed for landing. Once we're done, as with the mud bogs, the ground will be returned to its original state. It's a pretty straightforward operation. All our guys are going to have waivers that are performing, the insurance is going to cover everyone who's spectating. We're going to have hot dogs, we're going to have drinks. It's going to be a really good event.”
The reason the field east of the arenas was chosen is because it is already enclosed by a fence and is a large open area that was used in the past to host snowcross races. In addition, it will enable spectators to use the TRCC parking lot, as the seating area will be between the field and the eastern wall of the TRCC. Admission for the event will be $5.
Members of council expressed enthusiasm for the event.
“It's great that you're going to bring some entertainment to the city,” said Coun. Luke Robinson. “It's something that's going to be well-received, I think. I look forward to seeing more of that, especially this summer at the mud bogs.”
“I think it's exciting that you're bringing something new to Thompson like this,” said Coun. Penny Byer. “I think it's awesome. I didn't even realize we have Thompsonites who do this.”
Mayor Tim Johnston was also on board.
“I like it,” he said. “It's another use for the Thompson Regional Community Centre and bringing people to that point and facility in the community. I look forward to seeing it on the 12th. “
A resolution approving the use of the field passed unanimously later in the meeting.
Foley said that the N.M.O.R.A. has plans to make the demonstration an annual event like the mud bogs.
