Old Forge’s season starting snowmobile showcase weekend returns Dec. 7 thru 9
This weekend’s 36th Annual Snodeo event at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street is sure to provide many opportunities for visitors to enjoy winter fun, regardless of the weather.
The event, which is sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association, will have snowmobile activities taking place throughout the weekend with free admission and parking. CAA Events Coordinator Laurie Barkauskas said the Pavilion will be full of vendors at this year’s event.
Bob Gates decorates the Christmas tree.
Sleds and accessories from the 2013 model year will be on display from the top snowmobile manufacturers—Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat and Ski Doo. Demo rides by Ski Doo will be available, weather permitting.
Other vendors include Blackman’s Cycle Center which will showcase snowmobiles and ATVs, CHO-KO, Sledfreak, and Curve Industries.
Specialty Foods will be returning with a variety of specialty dip and salsa kits.
New to Snodeo this year’s show will be RCF Stove & Fireplace, Kubecka’s Polaris, and The Ridgeview which will showcase snowmobile trail maps for the areas surrounding the Webb/Inlet trail system.
North Woods Inn will be providing beer and wine.
Bob Gordon unfurls banners for hanging at Snodeo. Photos by Dana Armington
In addition to snowmobile-related vendors, local businesses and organizations will also set up booths throughout the venue. Among the organizations represented will be Watertown Veterans, Kommunity Youth Activity Center, the Old Forge American Legion Post 893, and the North Woods Women’s Club which will provide food and other refreshments.
Tickets will be available for a variety of raffles including a kayak raffle to benefit the Alex Sutherland Scholarship Fund, and the annual Snodeo raffle to win your choice of four 2013 sleds provided by the top manufacturers at the conclusion of the event on Sunday.
A volunteer unloads a Yamaha youth sled into the pavillion.
A raffle for a 2012 Polaris 120 4-stroke youth snowmobile will follow the Kitty-Cat and 120cc Youth Snowmobile Races on Saturday. The Youth Races will begin at 10 a.m. regardless of the weather. And according to Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer, the field of racers is expected to be even larger than last year.
“Due to the efforts of organizers Mike and Andrea Ross, that race grows by leaps and bounds every year. It’s really encouraging because it is indicative of the growth of snowmobiling,” Farmer said.
“They are the next generation of riders. We’re now seeing people who are bringing their grandkids to Snodeo—it’s become a multi-generational event.” Thanks to the patronage of the Old Forge Camping Resort, each child who participates in the youth races will receive a trophy and a t-shirt and special awards will be given during an awards ceremony.
The races are open to children under 12 who are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Safety gear is required which includes a helmet and boots.
Spectators can also look forward to the newly-expanded Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet that will take place under a heated tent in the upper parking lot behind the pavilion. Ed Stabb is the man responsible for pulling the show together.
“Ed was really excited about the show last year and thought he could really expand on it if given the opportunity. He has taken it in a completely different direction, and it looks like it is going to continue to grow,” said Snodeo Chairman Don Haehl.
Prizes will be awarded to participants at 2 p.m. on Saturday in 17 different categories, including people’s choice. Registration is $5 per sled, or $15 for three or more.
A fireworks show, which Farmer says will be bigger and better than ever, is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on the grounds of the pavilion.
More information about Snodeo is available by visiting: www.Snodeo.com.
