It’s exhibitions, demonstration riding and more as major snowmobile manufacturers return to Old Forge
Tree Line Sled Style stunt riders, from left, Matt Hawkins, Jesse Mastine and Brad Burbine, with Phil Martin, owner of Big Moose Yamaha in Eagle Bay. The snowmobile stunt team stopped at Phil's sled dealership on their wat to Old Forge for this weekend's Snofest, which is being held at the George T. Hiltebrandt Recreation Center on North Street. Photo by Dana Armington
Fresh from the X-Games, freestyle daredevil sledders of Tree Line Sled Style will return to the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center to provide performances at this weekend’s annual Snofest event.
Performances are scheduled for Saturday at noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with the 7 p.m. show featuring a back-flip finale under a display of fireworks. A Sunday performance at noon is also scheduled.
Jessie Mestine, manager of the performance group, said because of the lack of snow throughout the northeast this winter, the Old Forge venue will offer their first opportunity to actually perform on snow.
“All season we’ve been running on wood chips and mud—a little bit of everything but snow. So the shows this weekend will be even more exciting. Plus, we have added new contests and a few other surprises,” Mestine said.
Young fans will have the opportunity to get autographs and pictures of the performers at two separate “Meet & Greet” sessions on Friday, March 9.From 5 to 6:30 p.m. they will be at Tony Harper’s Pizza & Clam Shack on Main Street in Old Forge, and from 7 to 9 p.m. they will be at North Woods Inn.
Snofest offers snowmobile enthusiasts the first opportunity to preview the 2013 sleds, gear, and accessories from the four top snowmobile manufacturers: Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha.
Weather permitting, dealers representing Arctic Cat, Ski Doo, and Yamaha will offer sled demo rides outside the pavilion on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Among the new sleds that will be introduced this weekend, according to Phil Martin owner of Big Moose Yamaha/Arctic Cat, will be Yamaha’s mini sled, the SRX-120. Supervised test runs of the kid-size snowmobile will also be available if the weather allows.
Throughout the weekend vendors will be on-site selling snowmobile merchandise and there will be a food concession provided by North Woods Inn and a beer garden.
On Sunday at noon there will be a raffle drawing for an 11’ enclosed Blizzard snowmobile trailer. Tickets are $10 each and will be available at the pavilion and at the Old Forge Visitor Information Center.
Snofest will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. There is no admission fee. Parking is free and shuttle service to the pavilion will be provided.
More information is available by calling the Old Forge Visitor Information Center at (315) 369-6983.
