This weekend Sootoday.com was invited to attend the annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride and Show in Sylvan Valley just outside of Echo Bay.
The beginning of this event was met with sunshine, a cool breeze and about 90 vintage snowmobiles with dozens more expected to show up throughout the day.
This event provides the stage to showcase some incredible and rare vintage snowmobiles in true northern style.
But no one is more excited about this event than the snowmobile owners.
Crystal Walsh [pictured] proudly shows off her 1971 Evinrude to Sootoday.com before her turn in the radar run.
This was her third year attending the Vintage Snowmobile Show and certainly won't be her last.
It was interesting to see these proud machine owners congregate and discuss tricks of the trade, remedies for machine troubles, best places to purchase engine parts, and chronicling the history of their sleds; these are some proud individuals.
Probably the most luxuriest of all snowmobiles was the 1980 Ski-doo Elite with factory cab, heated interior, wipers, and a stereo.
Owner, Steve Chisholm recently purchased this machine from Quebec so he could ride on trails with his family in safety, comfort, and style.
Popular attractions at the show, besides all the vintage machines include barrel runs, radar runs, and new this year was the poker run which allowed attendees to buy in with a 50/50 payout to the winner.
But what’s a vintage snowmobile show without a little competition?
Trophies were presented to the following individuals and their vintage machines.
Fastest single cylinder in the radar run was Lisa Ellis from Michigan
Fastest pole bending run was Tom Alton
Most unique machine was Steve Chisholm from Manitoulin Island with his 1982 Ski-Doo Elite
The best in show award went to Al Canard with his 1968 Mercury
However this isn't merely an event to show off; it’s an event to give back. For the last several years all registration fees and merchandise sales from this event have been donated to the Elks Oncology Van Program.
Averaging one trip per week, the Elks Van travels to Sudbury along with patients from Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma district to receive radiation therapy.
"This is an important cause and we're happy to give back to this program while celebrating and showcasing these rare machines," said Brian Orchard, member of the organizing team.
“This year we exceeded out expectations and our fundraising goal, we are proud to donate $1,500 to the Elks Oncology Van Program,” said Orchard.
The Vintage Snowmobile Ride and Show is proudly sponsored by Dinelle's Country Market and Twisted Toyz Motorsports.
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