Snodeo 2010

“The best three days of weather in the history of Snodeo” is how a long time club member and Snodeo participant, described this year’s Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club Snodeo event.  It was a wonderful weekend for snowmobiling and all outdoor activities.  Trails through out the Western Mountains were in great shape as people rode and drove in to enjoy the weekend’s activities.  Snodeo Chairperson Marsha Morton did a great job, getting all the events scheduled and coordinated. 
The Snodeo events happened flawlessly thanks to Marsha hard work. Participants for Snodeo 2010 enjoyed displays, vendors, demonstration rides on Ski Doo and Polaris snowmobiles, and activities for children.  The Snodeo Radar run was very busy and there must have been at least 500 snowmobiles parked along the run as their riders enjoyed watching the racers pass by.  Thanks to Paul Packard and his crew for prepping the run and to Paul, Dan and the Saturday crews who make the event run smoothly and safely.  The Snodeo Poker Run and all the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club fund raising activities were busy and they produced many happy winners of cash and prizes.  Our thanks to Mike Camello who won the Friday night 50/50 raffle.  The next day Mike used all the money to purchase Snowmobile Raffle tickets. He also donated a bag full of toy Wreckers from West Hill Automotive.  The kids loved them. Thanks Mike for being so generous.  Two new events were big hits this year. CR Aviation offered helicopter rides Friday and Saturday.  They were very popular and what weather to take a flight over Rangeley.  Speaking of flights over Rangeley, The Rave X Freestyle show was a huge draw.  Viewing space was hard to find as the crowds grew.  Thanks to Gwain Wood and his staff at PJ’s Power Sports, (Johnny and Justin) for arranging for and paying for the show.  Seeing a snowmobile and rider do a back flip in person is an unbelievable sight.

This year’s Polaris Family Ride was well attended. Participants had opportunities to try out the latest Polaris sleds during the 25-mile ride and to have lunch at Bald Mountain Camps on Mooselookmeguntic Lake.  This is Bald Mountain Camps first year of winter operation and Chef Meg Godaire and Owner Steve Philbrick offered a great lunch and spectacular views from the dining room.

As the Saturday Snodeo schedule wound down, Club Officers awarded trophies for the Radar Run, cash prizes for the Poker Run. People at the Club House Restaurant waited eagerly for the a Saturday 50/50 raffle and the for the snowmobile raffle, an Arctic Cat 500 donated in part by Arctic Cat and PJ’s Power Sports.  Sue White was the lucky 50/50 winner and Bud Balfour the big winner for Snodeo 2010. Bud won the snowmobile. As the excitement died down at the Club House, over 100 people headed over the Rangeley Inn where the traditional Snodeo Snowmobile Parade starts.  The nice weather brought out the creative crowd with snowmobile floats and many decorated sleds.  It was the best turnout in many years.  As the many snowmobiles were led down Main Street by the Rangeley Police Department, many spectators lined the street and cheered on the participants.  After the parade ended out on Rangeley Lake, everyone enjoyed a great fireworks show put on by Atlas Fireworks Company.  There must have been 1000 snowmobiles out on the ice for the fireworks show and hundreds more people watching from the shore. It was a great end to a perfect weekend.  Many people worked hard to make this Snodeo a great event. Thanks go to Federal Distributor’s of Lewiston for sponsoring Snodeo again this year.  They provide money, Snodeo signs and all the Snodeo giveaways that are so popular.  Thanks to the Town of Rangeley for all its support. Thanks to area businesses who generously donate money and merchandise to the Club for its operations and for our Snodeo Fundraising events.  And, thanks to everyone who participated, both Club Members and visitors. You were a happy group and the Snodeo crews appreciated your many thank yous.  Mark your calendars, Snodeo 2011 is January 20, 21 and 22, 2011.

Upcoming Events:

February Membership Meeting February 20^th.  The Kelly Family will prepare a fine Roast
Beef Dinner.  Nominations will be accepted for Club Officers and Board of Director’s.  Representatives from major grooming equipment manufacturers will attend and Maine’s Pine Tree Camps representative will give a brief talk on the Camp programs.  MSA strongly supports Pine Tree Camps.  We will pass the hat for donations to the Camp. Reservations would be appreciated to either Sandi (207-864-2775) or Steve (207-864-5919) in order to estimate food needs.  Social hour at 530 and dinner served at 6:30 at the Episcopal Church.  Deserts are always welcome!

February 17 - Snowmobile Safety Course sponsored by the RLSC. Contact Mac for details and reservations (207-864-5919).  Snowmobiles will be provided for hands-on training.

February 18. Take a Friend Snowmobiling Program Ride.  A leisurely trail tour designed for novice riders. Experienced riders are welcome especially if you Bring a (novice)
Friend.  A trail cookout will be provided by the RLSC. Contact Mac (207-864-5919) or Lori (207-670-5505). Some loaner snowmobiles may be available.

March 13, 2010- Annual Steak and Lobster Dinner and Annual elections.  At the Episcopal Church with social hour starting at 530. Make your reservations soon.

STEVE DUDLEY

SANDI DUMONT   CCSANDI@MYFAIRPOINT.NET

Please visit our Sponsors page to check out businesses who have donated or pledged to donate to our grooming and trail maintenance program for this season. Be sure to patronize these businesses when in the area. It is due to their donations that we have the great riding conditions we all enjoy!