Having enough snow to showcase the activities related to the annual Snofest in Old Forge is always a concern for sponsoring organization Central Adirondack Association when planning the event from year to year.
But this season’s extremely cold temperatures kept the ground covered in white, assuring that folks who came to town on March 7, 8, and 9 to get a first look at 2015 snowmobile gear and test drive the sleds they hope to be riding next winter, would not be disappointed. Continue reading
Major snowmobile manufacturers representing Arctic Cat, Polaris, SkiDoo and Yamaha will reveal their 2015 models at the 7th Annual Snofest at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street in Old Forge on March 7, 8, and 9th.
New model sleds
began unloading Thursday at George T. Hiltebrant Rec Center in Old Forge. Photo by Gina Greco
The weekend will include demo rides, snowmobile accessory vendors, live music, ice carvings and raffles.
On Saturday, North Country Heli-flight will be on location to give helicopter rides, weather permitting.
A fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. will top off the day. Continue reading
The George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street will be the site of the Central Adirondack Association’s 7th annual Snofest event on March 7, 8, and 9th.
The four major snowmobile manufacturers: Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha, will premier their 2015 models as Old Forge is once again a stop on the Sneak Peak Nationwide Tour, bringing snowmobile enthusiasts an opportunity to be the first to preview next year’s line of sleds and gear.
Demo rides will also be provided, weather permitting.
A whole new line up of activities is planned for the weekend event. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
SnoFest, the annual event in Old Forge that provides a first look at what snowmobilers can expect in the way of 2014 sleds, gear and accessories, will return to the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street on Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9.
Dealers from the four top snowmobile manufacturers, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha, will be on-hand to present the Sneak Peek Nationwide Tour. And for the first time, all four companies will have reps on hand to provide demo rides, weather permitting.
This year’s event will again feature freestyle snocross performances by Tree Line Sled Style of Bethel, VT, featuring Jessie Mastine.
Fresh from the X-Games, the daredevil sledders will present performances on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 6:30 p.m.
The 6:30 p.m. show will feature a back-flip finale under a display of fireworks. Fans will have the opportunity to get autographs and pictures of the freestyle performers on-site before and after each show.
A raffle drawing for an 11’ enclosed Blizzard snowmobile trailer will take place prior to the fireworks.
Raffle tickets are $10 each and only 500 will be sold. Tickets can be purchased at the Town of Webb Visitor Information Center, Big Moose Arctic Cat and Yamaha, Smith Marine, Don’s Polaris and at the North Street Pavilion during the event.
On-line tickets are available at www.SnoFestUSA.com.
Among the vendors at this year’s event will be Sledfreak.com and Littletikes Awesome Specialty Foods. A food concession and beer garden will be provided by North Woods Inn. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Town gears up for major snowmobile event
SnoFest returning to Hiltebrant Rec Center Saturday & Sunday, March 10th & 11th SnoFest returns to the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street in Old Forge Saturday and Sun-day, March 10 and 11.
Dealers from the four top snowmobile manufacturers, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha, will be on-hand to present a Sneak Peak Nationwide Tour and preview of sleds, gear and accessories for 2013.
Dealers representing Arctic Cat, Ski Doo, and Yamaha will offer the public an opportunity to demo ride their latest sleds outside the pavilion on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s event will again feature freestyle snocross performances by Tree Line Sled Style of Bethel, Vermont. Continue reading