Old Forge’s season starting snowmobile showcase weekend returns Dec. 7 thru 9

This weekend’s 36^th 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. Continue reading →

Snow is more than luxury, but hardly a necessity say organizers: Ultimately sled weekend is about fun, celebration and anticipation-especially this

Don Haehl, chairman of Snodeo 2011 in Old Forge, tries out one of the sleds that was on display at last weekend's event that was held at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street. Photo by Dana Armington

Even if you may not be able take your sleds out on the trails over the weekend, this weekend’s Snodeo event at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street has many opportunities for visitors to enjoy some winter fun.

The Used Sled Auction is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and according to Laurie Barkauskas, Central Adirondack Association’s events coordinator, there has been a lot of interest generated by the first-time event.

“The auction has been something that a lot of people have requested over the years. We’ve put a lot of effort into it and we are hoping that it takes off and continues to grow,” Barkauskas said.

Organizers and volunteers gathered at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street to set up for Snodeo 2011. Among those shown are Don Haehl (second from left), then Dale Stanton, Bob Gordon, Andrea Ross, Bob Gates, our friend Eugene, Bill Blandin, Dan Mahoney, and Laurie Barkauskas. Photo by Dana Armington

Throughout the weekend, Snodeo guests will also be able to visit representatives from the top four snowmobile manufacturers, and check out the 25 vendors featuring snowmobile-related goods and services.

Local vendors include the Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club, Holly Woodworking, Old Forge Camping Resort, Souvenir Village, and The Naked Moose.

Among the new vendors are snowmobile lift company, Ohio Chassis and Boyesen Inc. which specializes in snowmobile accessories.

Allstate Insurance Company is also new to Snodeo. Continue reading →