HANCOCK – Like most non-profit organization’s, the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club relies to a large extent on fundraisers to provide revenue, and their biggest fundraising event will take place Feb. 27.

Candi Silvola, KNSC board member and event co-ordinator, said this is the eighth time the club’s Glide N Gorge will take place at the Maasto Hiihto ski trails in Hancock. It’s so named because it involves classic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the Swedetown Gorge with stops along the way for eating.

Silvola said the main change for the event is changing it from a Sunday to a Saturday as a way to possible increase participation.

“That was kind of a big move,” she said.

There are a couple possible hindrances to when the event takes place, Silvola said.

“It always depends on the weather and what else is happening (locally),” she said.

It’s uncertain, now, what the weather will be then, but Silvola said it doesn’t look like there are any other big events happening on Feb. 27.

The cost to take part in the event is $20 before the event, and $25 at the trails the day of the event. Children are free with a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased from the KNSC website at keweenawnordic.org/glide-n-gorge. They can also be purchased at Downwind Sports and Cross Country Sports or from any KNSC board member.

The Glide N Gorge is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the KNSC, Silvola said. The money raised is used for various club needs.

“We will be using it for (trail) maintenance,” she said. “It kind of goes wherever it’s needed.”

Last year, Silvola said money raised by the event was used to replace the middle bridge on the trail.

Participants in the Glide N Gorge will start at the chalet near the Hancock ball fields next to the Houghton County fair grounds in Hancock, Silvola said.

Food for the event will be donated by local retailers and restaurants, Silvola said. The first stop will have appetizers, including mini pasties, fresh fruit, smoked fish, hot dogs, and marshmallows.

“We have fire pits at each stop,” she said explaining the marshmallows.

The second stop in the gorge itself near Swedetown Creek, will have hot soups, stews and chilis. The third stop at the chalet will have cheesecake and baked goods. Each stop will have a variety of hot and cold beverages. There will be live music at the chalet.

Silvola said the Glide N Gorge draws about 100 participants each year.