Star Journal

With snowmobile season underway in Oneida County, a new event, Vintage Snowmobile Day, is set for Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Area 31 in Minocqua.

Hosted by the Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club and the Area 31 team, the family-friendly event will feature a vintage snowmobile showcase, vintage radar run, and snowmobile raffle.

The Forest Riders said that for several years, the third weekend in February was dedicated to celebrating its largest annual fundraiser, the raffling of a new snowmobile. It said it needed to identify a new location this season, and the collaboration with Area 31 began.

“Area 31 is really looking forward to hosting the inaugural vintage day with the Forest Riders,” said Chayce Walker, Area 31 manager. “With the tremendous history of this facility being the test centers for both Mercury and Yamaha snowmobiles, it should be the perfect venue.”

Spectators are welcome, and snowmobiling to the event is encouraged.

“Snowmobiling in the Northwoods is a lifestyle for many,” said Jerry Wakefield, Minocqua Forest Riders club president. “It’s our hope that by expanding our snowmobile raffle event to include the vintage sled activities, our club and the community will see an increase in snowmobile enthusiasts this year and in years to come.”

The vintage radar run competition will operate from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration forms are available at vintagesnowmobileday.com or on the event day. The club will present trophies in 12 categories for sleds 1985 and older.

The vintage snowmobile showcase is also open to sleds from 1985 and older, with sleds like the Midnight Oil Mercury and a Ski-Doo Double Eagle on display. The club will award trophies in multiple categories, including a People’s Choice Award. Showcase registration will take place on the day of the event.

The snowmobile raffle features a 2024 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS. Raffle tickets will be available at the event, or participants can purchase them in advance at area businesses.

The event will also feature food, beer, refreshments, basket raffles, a bonfire, a groomer display, and more.

Sales will benefit the Minocqua Forest Riders’ trail maintenance and equipment fundraising efforts.

The Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club is a 100-percent volunteer, non-profit organization. It operates exclusively on state funding and donations.

Area 31 is located at 13050 Gilbertson Road.