Marshfield hosting Aug. 6-8 national vintage snowmobile event
The 16th Annual Vintage Snowmobile National Championship Show and Swap is set to take place Aug. 6-8, at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. The event typically draws visitors in the thousands and is the first time in the show’s 16-year history that it will be hosted in Wisconsin – a state rich in snowmobile history.
“We’re proud to be hosting the show’s inaugural visit to Wisconsin, says Roger Hansen, show chairman. “The event typically sees around 3,000 visitors and nearly 450 vintage sleds so we’re excited to bring this opportunity to Central Wisconsin and its avid snowmobiling community.”
The show will include vintage snowmobiles from more than 40 classes and categories for spectators to take in. Classes range from antique, muscle and race, to cross country, custom and even a best survivor category. The event also includes a swap where snowmobile enthusiasts can buy and sell parts and sleds and a banquet featuring keynote speaker Mike Trapp, 1971 World Champion and Yamaha and Ski-Doo factory racer. Trapp will also sign autographs on Saturday from 1-3 p.m.
The host city, Marshfield, has deep roots in snowmobiling. The city was home to a Jac-Trac snowmobile factory and to the Decker Racing team — Chuck Decker is a former world champion racer and former owner of the famed Eagle River track that hosts the world championship. Marshfield was also home to the Old Yeller race team. Both the Decker and Old Yeller teams competed throughout the Midwest in the 1960s and 1970s.
Hansen is excited for what the event will do to bring visitors to the area and what the event means to him personally.
“Marshfield has a rich snowmobiling history and is a central hub for enthusiasts to travel to,” says Hansen. “I’m proud to be able to help draw more visitors to our community and garner attention for the industry I’m passionate about. I grew up riding snowmobiles and have 29 vintage sleds of my own, and this event has always been a great way to meet and talk with others who have the same passion.”
An event this size takes a community to be successful including a number of local sponsors and volunteers. One sponsor, Power Pac Equipment and Motorsports, is helping to promote the event by sharing what the sport means for the community and the economy.
“Celebrating our snowmobile history is something we are excited to be a part of,” says Mandy Witt, co-owner of Power Pac Equipment and Motorsports in Marshfield, and Erv’s Sales and Service in Tomahawk. “We’re seeing a revived interest in snowmobiling and want to continue to remind people of the fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure we have here in Wisconsin. The vintage snow show is a great way to draw more attention to what snowmobiling means to our local history and economy.”
Participants can register at the door on Aug. 6. Spectators who want to view the vintage displays and check out the swap meet can attend Aug. 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or Aug. 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
