John Lewis of Camden, Kelly and Dave Bennett head up the line waiting (on foot) for their turns to test drive Ski-doos during Snofest
Organizers of Snofest 2013 estimated that over 5,000 snowmobile enthusiasts were on the grounds of the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center in Old Forge on March 8 and 9 to take a look at what they can expect to see on the trails in the 2013/2014 season.
The event featured daredevil jumping shows and test rides on 2014 sleds by Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo and Yamaha which, according to Phil Martin of Big Moose Yamaha/Arctic Cat, likely helped to boost attendance numbers to the highest in its five-year history.
“We worked nonstop for two days providing demo rides—with sizable waiting lines. The Pavilion was busy all day Saturday, and the evening show was jam-packed.
“A lot of communities would die for what we’ve got, with four major snowmobile manufacturers coming to Old Forge and jumpers coming to spice up the show,” Martin said.
Greg Vinci, of Tree Line Sled Style
Martin and other local snowmobilers dealers reportedly took anywhere from 250 to 630 test riders out per sled model in the course of the two-day event, which helped to stimulate snowmobile sales.
Doug Smith of Smith Marine, who traditionally brings in extra staff to cover his shop over Snofest, reported that he received 17 deposits on 2014 machines, which is double of last year’s numbers.
Laurie Barkauskas, events coordinator for the Central Adirondack Association, said activity inside the pavilion was steady also with a complete sell-out of event merchandise and t-shirts.
Raffle ticket sales for a new snowmobile trailer were healthy, she said, adding that the winner was Bill Lux of Westernville.
Chase Greene, Kelly Noonan-Greene and Gary Staab sold tickets for the CAA snowmobile trailer raffle. Photo by Wende Carr
Snowmobile enthusiasm also extended beyond the event grounds with a late week blast of snow securing trail conditions for those interested in getting in some late season riding.
Barkauskas said the Town of Webb Visitor Information Center staff sold 60 trail permits to first-time riders over the weekend. Two hundred snowmobilers took advantage of the Snofest promotion whereby those who pre-purchased their 2013/2014 trail permits at the pre-season rate of $65 were able to ride the remainder of the season free of charge.
Sandy Booton, co-chair of Snofest, Doug Smith of Smith Marine and Dianna Finnerty amd Nevin Finnerty-with Smith Marine’s Ski-doo Summit. Photo by Wende Carr
Martin credited a number of people for helping to make the event as successful as it was. Among them were Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer and Barkauskas for their great work in publicizing Snofest and getting the word out to the public.
A Tree Line Sled Style jumper in Action
In turn, Farmer, Barkauskas and Martin commended Highway Superintendent Casey Crofut and his staff for moving snow as needed to the right locations for the demo rides and stunt jumping.
They also cited Tim Pylman and the trail grooming staff for having the trails in top shape for the multitude of sled riders who came to the area over the weekend.
The Snofest committee is holding a post-event meeting this week to gather feedback and to determine what improvements can be made for next year’s event.
