Outdoor concerts new this year
WEST YELLOWSTONE – The 25th annual Snowmobile & SnoWest EXPO returns March 12-15 to West Yellowstone where, for the first time in the Rocky Mountain West, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha will unveil their 2016 snowmobile lines to the public at the same location.
Snowmobile racing, aftermarket parts, and clothing will be on display at the EXPO hall, located at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center.
“[This event is] the best end-of-season power sports weekend in the West,” said Marge Wanner, West Yellowstone Chamber Snowmobile Events Coordinator. “EXPO is kind of like a family reunion. People bring their friends, look at new stuff and come to have a good time.”
Despite warmer weather this winter, plenty of snow is stockpiled at the racetrack and city park to create the event venues. In the 24 previous years of the EXPO, organizers have never had to cancel an activity due to poor snow conditions, Wanner said.
For the 11th year, the Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association will host the Vintage Snowmobile Exhibit and Show on Saturday, March 15. The exhibit is one of the largest gatherings of vintage and antique snowmobiles in the West, with participants from all over North America.
More than 200 snowmobiles encompassing the entire spectrum of snowmobiling history are expected to be on display. There will be prizes and special awards for “People’s Choice,” “Best of Show,” and “WSVSA Sled of the Year.”
Vintage racing will include expanded classes, races and a specially designed course this year. A crowd favorite is the vintage “hot laps,” where drivers take to the track with an entertaining display of decorated vintage sleds, pulling an array of items from dog houses to bars – hot laps will be featured at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Other events throughout the weekend include head-to-head snowmobile drag races, Junior SnoCross races, as well as the Radar Run – a time trial held on a straight-line, 500-foot packed snow track, with a 600-foot shut down extension. Snowmobiles of all classes and eras, and riders of all experience are eligible.
Manufacturers will offer free demo rides on their 2016 snowmobile models, and Swoop Productions is back this year for another Saturday afternoon exhibition of sportbike freestyle shows for motorcycle fanatics of all ages.
New this year, Wild Bill Productions is throwing outdoor concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night bands include The Teka Brock Band, Confederate Railroad, and Blackhawk. On Saturday night, bands range from southern rock to wild rock ’n’ roll, featuring The Outlaws, Warrant, and Jackyl. Octane Addictions will present a snowmobile freestyle airshow in between the bands on both nights.
Visit snowmobileexpo.com for more event information.
