HISTORY

    In February of 1972 a small group of people gathered in the living room of Roger and Lois Beckett's home. Here an idea was formed to make a snowmobile club in the Kemptville area. The first year Roger Beckett was the President and the club consisted of about 70 members.

    A children's safety rally was held and in 1975 the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub (KSK) participated in their first Snowarama which is a charity that raises money for Easter Seals children in the area.

    In 1976, the club joined the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC). Kemptville Snowmobile Klub members participated annually in the OFSC Annual General Meetings which are held throughout Ontario.

    1978 brought about the purchase of a new alpine groomer and the birth of the KSK's driver training course was offered to children ages 12 and up. This course is still offered to children. The meetings were held in the Kemptville Legion for the first seven years.

    In 1979 the KSK purchased the clubhouse where it is presently located at Pattersons Corners Road and O'Neil Road, just south of Oxford Mills. The clubhouse was formerly an Orange Lodge and with a large amount of work from volunteers in the club it has been converted into a clubhouse with two floors of meeting space and full facilities.

    In 1982, the club hosted the OFSC Annual General Meeting and Convention in Ottawa. Over the next several years, there were many fundraising activities organized by the club to help raise money for a new BR100 groomer, which was bought in 1986.

    In 1991, the club held their first annual snowmobile show, called Sno' Show '92 and attendance topped 1200 people. The snow show had exhibits of clothing, accessories and snowmobiles from all four major snowmobile manufacturers (Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha), as well as groomers and antique snowmobiles.

    In 1993, the KSK bought a BR60+ groomer and the trails were made 10 feet wide.

    The Leeds and Grenville Snowmobile Association (LGSA) was formed in 1996 and the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub was proud to be one of the original clubs along with, Athens and District Snowmobile Club, Elizabethtown Snowmobile Club, Grenville Snowmobile Association and the Rideau Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club.

    In 1997, the the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub put an addition on the clubhouse and installed a new kitchen. The cupboards were donated by Harpstone Kitchens.

    Winter of 1998 was the Ice Storm. Many of the trails were closed for about two-three weeks. With over 70 volunteers working together and equipment being donated the trails were soon open again.

    In September 1999, the Osgoode Carleton Snowmobile Club and the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub teamed together and hosted the OFSC AGM and Convention in Ottawa at the Crowne Plaza. Approximately 600 delegates were in attendance.

    In 2000, the Klub purchased additional land (2 and half acres) around the clubhouse, where a parking lot and a park were made. The park was named "The Memorial Park" in remembrance of Brian Dillabaugh and son, Chris who both lost their lives in accidents. Not only was Brian the local Arctic Cat dealer, but long-time supporter of the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub and Snowarama.

    In June 2006, long-time member, Bruce Robinson was elected as President of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. This is the first time a volunteer from Eastern Ontario was elected as President of the OFSC. Bruce has held numerous positions in the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub such as: Vice-President, President, Trail Boss, and Trail Patroller. He has been the Governor of District 1 for 6 years, and Co-Chair of the OFSC Volunteers In Action Committee with his wife Liz for 5 years. Bruce, Liz, and daughters, Sarah and Ann enjoy family snowmobiling. They usually travel 3000-5000 km per year.

   In September 2009, the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub hosted the 42nd OFSC Annual General Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa with 500 delegates participating. Thank you to the 26 volunteers who worked hard for this huge event.