Cool times at Shiverfest

DEVILS LAKE -- Even ShiverFest couldn't escape the clutches of the mildest winter in the area in recent history.

The 12th annual event, traditionally scheduled for the third weekend of February, didn't quite have the ideal conditions for a normal mid-winter festival.

Instead of building igloos as in past years, Boy Scouts were forced to alter their demonstration to cobbler making.

And sleigh rides were canceled because of a lack of snow.

But ShiverFest still offered dozens of entertainment options to residents and visitors Saturday.

Among them were the vintage snowmobile races, where the Sibilleau brothers renewed their sibling rivalry.

Guy, 43, from Roseau, Minn., and Roger, 41, from Winnipeg, were two of the approximately 70 racers to take to the C,-mile ice track.

Race director Mike Barendt said it was the first year the races had been associated with ShiverFest, but for the seventh year the races have made a stop in Devils Lake.

It was only the second year for Roger Sibilleau on a racing sled, but he may already be surpassing his older, more experienced brother.

"This is my first year on the 340, and I don't have any complaints," Roger Sibilleau said. "I've won twice. It's doing good so far."

Guy Sibilleau has been racing for seven years and has now added sled-builder to his role as a racer.

"Even though he does well and beats me, I still feel good because I made the machines," Guy said of his brother's success.

Both the brothers were happy to be riding, since the lack of snow has meant virtually no trail riding this winter.

"No trail sledding," Guy Sibilleau said. "Mine hasn't moved."

With $5,000 in prize money on the line, the racers were opening it up, with one clocked at 76 miles per hour.

Other events Saturday included both mite and pond hockey tournaments, which will conclude today, and a youth ice fishing tournament.

Kite-flying for tikes

Another event especially popular with the youngsters was the kite flying, organized by Nels Nelson of Devils Lake and Minot's Rollie Metz, who has been flying kites for more than 25 years.

Before noon, the duo had a handful of giant kites in the air, despite conditions that were barely windy enough to keep them up.

Metz's kites included a big alligator and a giant Nemo-like fish.

"It's better to have 10 to 15 (mph)," Nelson said. "It's a real nice wind. This is right on the edge."

Both Metz and Nelson have been involved in the kite flying at ShiverFest since the event first became a part of the weekend eight years ago.

They also are involved in using the kites as a mode of transportation -- Nelson is a kite skier while Metz has done kite skateboarding and is an accomplished kite buggy operator.

Saturday's events concluded with a fireworks display at Woodland Resort and music by the band "Ugly Stick."

A handful of events continue today. For a complete list, visit www.devilslakend.com .

Bieri is a Herald staff reporter. Reach him at (701) 780-1118; (800) 477-6572, ext. 118; or send email to cbieri@gfherald.com .