Second annual Antique & Snowmobile Show is now a two day event
Snowmobile enthusiasts from across the Midwest are expected to converge on Rogers City for the second annual Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show this weekend. Last year was the first year an antique snowmobile show had been hosted in Rogers City. Dan and Tina Derry organized the first event in front of the Water?s Edge Restaurant and Driftwood Motel, largely in part because they had traveled to other shows and wanted to see one started in Rogers City.
As the weekend was drawing closer, more than anything, organizers were concerned about the weather. ?Will the conditions hold?? Dan Derry wondered. Early in the week, the forecast was calling for a mix of conditions that included rain, but as the days have gone by this week, reports were becoming more encouraging (as of Wednesday morning) that the rain may stay the south and the air will stay cold enough to keep the snow.
DERRY SAID the event has kept him busy with many phone calls and emails. One enthusiast from central Wisconsin told Derry he travels to one show a year, and this year he will travel 400 miles to Rogers City. He told Derry he would be bringing a vintage Boa-Ski snowmobile With the response the Derrys have been receiving, they believe the show could double in size this year. The Rogers City Visitors and Travelers Bureau is one of the major financial backers of the show. Not part of the one-day show last year was the ride planned for Friday.
A snowmobile ride is an event that is part of other shows, Derry said. He was at a show in Big Bay, north of Marquette, where there was a 26-mile ride. Riders will load their snowmobiles on trailers at noon Friday in front of the Driftwood and travel to the 208 Club along M-68, three miles west of Rogers City. A five mile groomed trail will be awaiting the riders. There also will be a weenie roast.
ON SATURDAY, registration for the event will begin at 9 a.m. The show will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be followed by a banquet. There is no cost to view the snowmobiles or to register a machine, but there is a $10 charge for those interesting in swapping snowmobiles. Other added events include
The city has offered the use of the portable band shell, picnic tables and garbage cans, while high school students plan to sell hot dogs. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day with many fine prizes that have been donated by area merchants. Organizers are appreciative of the response they have received from local businesses. There also will be a 50/50, and a Chinese raffle at the banquet.
Derry said there are limited tickets for the banquet. Meal tickets cost $10 apiece. Etched mirrors designed by local artist Steve Witucki will be awarded at the dinner.