BEMIDJI — The Johnson-Jarvi Snowjourn Award and the first-ever Wanda’s Wish Award were presented at the 42nd annual Buena Vista Snowjourn Awards Jan. 14 at the Buena Vista Ski Area.
The Johnson-Jarvi Snowjourn Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated long-term commitment and support for cross-country skiing in the Bemidji area.
This year, the award went to David Harrington, who has hosted the annual Black Lake Loppet Ski for Fun event for more than a decade, according to a statement.
He is also a board member of the Minnesota Finlandia organization and a volunteer ski groomer.
Contributed
The new Wanda’s Wish Award, in honor of the late Wanda Arenz, went to 15-year-old Casey Story, the youngest skier in the event’s 12-kilometre race.
Wanda’s Wish Award is the book “Trail to Gold”, which shares the collective journey of 53 Olympic Nordic skiers from 1972 to 2018.
“Wanda was a dedicated cross-country skier well into her 70s,” the statement read. “Her wish is that more women continue to participate and enjoy Nordic skiing until the end of their lives.”