The Northland Adaptive Recreation program have held their annual Shoot for Fun fundraising event for over 25 years. But most people don’t realize it takes a minimum of a 100 volunteers to get everything prepared for the annual Shoot for Fun event. Although the proceeds are integral for the Northland Adaptive Rec. program.

Over 550 people visited Old Vermillion Trail for the annual Shoot for Fun event. But why do people keep coming back every year? Eric Larson, the General Manager of the Northland Adaptive Rec. program says the fundraiser goes towards a large percentage of their annual operating budget. However, he says the event helps bring friends and families together.

“A lot of people haven’t ever been here before. They come out, they’re supporting a cause that makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities throughout the year. The event is really almost sold out every year now, which is exciting,” Larson says. “It’s a fundraiser for us. It’s a friend finder for us. It helps people to really learn about the importance of our programs. People want to help the cause because, it’s a fundraiser first and foremost.”

This shooting spectacle brings hundreds of hunters and sports shooters together from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The money raised is put towards new adaptive equipment for people of all abilities.

“Our community has been behind this program for over three decades,” Larson said. “Without the volunteers and without the community partners and the generous donors to the program, we don’t have the ability to continue doing the work.”

But the Shoot for Fun event wouldn’t be the largest sporting clay event in Minnesota, without the help of volunteers. Kristina Kangas-Wolfe is a long-time volunteer at the shoot for fun event. She comes back every year, because there’s so much more people can experience.

“So you have the regular course that you pay to enter. The money goes to a great cause for the adaptive equipment. That alone is fun then you got your raffle. If you’re coming through and doing all the shooting, it’s just a lot of fun,” Kangas-Wolfe said. “You get to practice and try different things and challenge yourself. It’s a lot of challenging.”

There’s also as young as 16 years old who love trap and clay shooting. Caden Peterson is a member of the the Hermantown High School Trap Team. One of his friends introduced him to the sport three years ago. He also says don’t feel discouraged, if you don’t always hit your mark.

“Like anything, it takes time to get good at it. Go slow. It’s a mind game. So don’t get in your head. It’s okay to miss. It’s okay to hit. I miss a lot, but it’s okay and it’s a fun time,” Peterson said. “You get to be outside for a couple hours, hang out with your buddies, hang out with your friends. I think it’s a win-win.”

For more information about the Shoot for Fun event you can read more here. For other stories about the Northland Adaptative Rec. program you can read more here.