Finally…Ski Club able to hold banquet

After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the Canyon Lake Ski Club Saturday held its 45th Annual Banquet and celebrated the 100th Year Anniversary of the Sport of Waterskiing.

Acknowledging the wait between banquets, the theme for the night was “Back in Black.” More than 80 ski club members from 10 months of age to 85 years, gathered at the Canyon Lake Lodge for dinner, awards, recognitions, and dancing.

The theme brought out original costumes, from rock stars to movie stars. Members donned AC/DC and Rolling Stones shirts as well as glamorous gowns and suits. The club photo booth brought “rock-on” poses and laughs.

“It was a great turnout,” Canyon Lake Ski Club President John Jacobson said. “The group represented generations of skiers in Canyon Lake, including Barbara Canfield, our ‘Grand Marshall,’ who is a long-time Canyon Lake resident, a three-event skier, and an official at the U.S. Waterski Nationals for 30 years.”

Canyon Lake Ski Club Board and Social Media Team gather after the club’s banquet Saturday. They are, from left, John Jacobson, Debbie Sacks, Jen Fox, Jay Fitzpatrick, Rick Jacobs, Frank Woodman, and Scott Larson.

The Board took a special moment during the banquet to bring all the children to the stage, acknowledging that they are the up-and-coming skiers and officials who will inevitably grow the sport and their skills in Canyon Lake.

A special recognition was presented to Bob Burns, better known as “Pancake Bob,” for his countless hours at Breakfast with Santa. He has been preparing batter, flipping pancakes, and bringing smiles to children and families for 27 years. Pancake Bob received a golden spatula and cheers from the crowd.

Best Dressed recipients Debbie Sacks and Steve Volz ham it up at the Canyon Lake Ski Club’s annual banquet Saturday.

“It’s very humbling to be recognized by the club,” Bob said. “I’ve enjoyed planning the pancake breakfast for my own children with Al Van. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve a few thousand kids over the years. I still run into teens in the community who tell me their parents took them to Breakfast with Santa every year growing up. I’m glad I’ve been able to pay back to the Canyon Lake community what we’ve truly enjoyed as a family.”

Other acknowledgements included the Ray Novak Award, often described as the club’s MVP Award, which was presented to John Jacobson for his many hours of dedication to the club.

The Bob Barton Award was presented to Scott Larson, a club member for 31 years, and recognized for his dedication and representation of the sport and the club at the Western Region and serving as an Area 1 Council Member.

Bob Burns, nicknamed Pancake Bob by Canyon Lake Ski Club members for his decades of service at the club’s annual Breakfast with Santa event, and wife Michelle Burns sit after Bob received a golden spatula in recognition of his service. Photo by Debbie Sacks.

Committee members were also honored for their role in making the club events a success. The various members worked on committees for Breakfast with Santa, Polar Bear Day, Social Media, New Membership, Blood Drive, Banquet Planning, Clean Up Days, Ski Club Tournaments, and the Jump Team, which organized the first International Record Jump Event in the history of Canyon Lake.

The newest committee addition is the Scholarship Committee, developed to coordinate the Imre and Betsy Weil Memorial Scholarship to promote the sport of waterskiing.

The club also recognized businesses who supported this year’s banquet, including D3 Skis, California Skier, Perris Pawn, Masterline, Pole Position, Canyon Lake Golf Course and Q-Salon.