In Negaunee on Friday, Feb. 7, the sun receded behind watchful pines as dusk arrived with an indigo hue. Bonfires covered the landscape so the crowd could stay warm in the cold air. Far above the flames stood participants, eagerly awaiting their opportunity to stand out. Their heads were covered with helmets, the sweat underneath forming tiny icicles on exposed strands of hair. Beneath them, hundreds of spectators filled the area, eagerly anticipating the spectacle to begin: the Irontown Rail Jam.
The competition, which took place from 6:30 to 9 p.m., was part of the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival. This annual gathering in Negaunee features various cold-weather activities over a three-day period, with this year’s events taking place from Feb. 7 to 9.
Skiers and snowboarders competed for a cash prize, which was awarded to the top three participants in each category. The event was divided into three individual time slots during which competitors displayed their skills, beginning with 35 minutes for snowboarders, followed by another 35 minutes for skiers. The top eight participants from each group competed side-by-side in a 30-minute final.
Food, drink and apparel were available at various pop-up shops set up in the surrounding area. Attendees could watch the event up close and personal on either side of the course or find respite from the cold next to a massive bonfire at the base, which roared ceaselessly for the two-and-a-half-hour event.
“It’s great to see the community come out — I love events like this,” said Sawyer Mital, an NMU student and Rail Jam finalist. “Getting involved is super important, and it’s great to showcase the businesses in the area.”
Mital demonstrated his skiing expertise, throwing tricks and one-foot wonders on the rail-covered course.
“It’s just a lot of fun to see all the different riders and ski in my own style,” Mital said.
The skilled competitors unveiled a 360° spin onto a down rail, a 270° on pretzel 270° out and even a wall ride backflip to fakie that lifted the half-frostbitten crowd into a state of amazement.
For those unfamiliar with skier jargon, know that the laws of physics were proven obsolete by the U.P.’s up-and-coming talent.
After the winners were announced, representatives from The Compound Ski and Snowboard Shop threw prizes into a sea of onlookers, who jumped to grab them with hopes to retrieve some swag.
Among the prizes were helmets donated by family members of Cody Revord, a Marquette native who lost his life after sustaining a severe head injury while snowboarding in 2015.
The helmets acted as a reminder of the importance of wearing proper safety equipment when participating in extreme sports.
If you missed last Friday’s opportunity to witness the dangerous beauty of winter sports, the Jibba Jabba Rail Jam takes place this Saturday, Feb. 15, in Houghton.
The event will feature professional snowboarders competing for a $1,000 cash prize. Red Bull will be in attendance, providing music and drinks to keep you energized throughout.
