2013 Assembly Joint Resolution 1
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby on its 50th anniversary.
Whereas, the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby began in 1964 as the brainchild of John Alward, Walt Goldsworthy, and Sparky Meyer in an effort to promote winter tourism in Eagle River; and
Whereas, the Derby first attracted around 5,000 spectators but now averages between 20,000 and 30,000; and
Whereas, the popularity of the local event continually grew and in 1974 it catapulted Eagle River into the winter sports spotlight as the Derby welcomed the first professional snowmobile riders' circuit, Sno Pro; and
Whereas, the 1975 Derby attracted a then record 40,000 spectators; and
Whereas, on October 3, 1985, the Decker family purchased the Derby site in an effort to improve the track and increase its usage; and
Whereas, the Decker family has helped make the Eagle River World Championship one of the best races and most coveted victories in all of snowmobiling; and
Whereas, the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby has been such a boon to Wisconsin tourism and, therefore, track owner Chuck Decker was awarded the prestigious "Putting Wisconsin on the Map Award" from Governor Jim Doyle; and
Whereas, the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby track owner Chuck Decker was also recognized federally by U.S. Representative Mark Green with the "Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community Award"; and
Whereas, the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby has provided a tremendous service to the tourism industry of northern Wisconsin over the past 50 years; and
Whereas, as it celebrates its 50th running of the Derby on January 17 to 20, the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby continues its storied tradition as one of the world's longest-running snowmobile races; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature commends the successful history of the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby and joins the Decker family and the city of Eagle River in celebrating 50 years of success.
