Cold, snowy Minnesota winters may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t get much better for Snowmobilers! The Tri-County Trailblazers Snowmobile Club of Spring Valley, MN, will be hosting its 3rd Annual Snowmobile Fun Day on February 20th. The event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome. “We really want to show people what the sport is all about, how much fun it is, and showcase the great community of people that snowmobiling brings together,” says Tyler Himle, Tri-County Trailblazer Club member.
Snowmobile Fun Day usually occurs on the third Saturday each February and starts at 11:00 AM in the east parking lot of Five Wynds Event Center on Highway 63 in northeast Spring Valley, just off the snowmobile trail. Five Wynds Event Center supports the event each year by donating their parking lot for the event. Racks Bar and Grill, another club supporter, is located right next door, and with miles of snow-covered trails, the location provides the perfect base of operations for the club’s event.
The Tri-County Trailblazers annual event includes activities for riders and non-riders of all ages. The morning features an antique snowmobile show that attracts some very unique snowmobiles from all over southeast Minnesota. The exhibition provides an excellent way for attendees to explore snowmobiling history in person and learn more about how the modern snowmobiles have evolved from Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s “over-snow vehicle” in 1922 into the state of art “sleds” we have today.
The afternoon is all about actively enjoying the sport of snowmobiling. There are various competitions, including a snow-cross course, where riders can show off their skills and earn bragging rights. A group ride to the neighboring community of Ostrander, just seven miles away, takes riders over the field and through the woods to The Wolf’s Den and Susie’s Roadhouse, two local establishments who also support the Tri-County Trailblazer’s Club. Here the riders can warm-up, grab a bite and swap stories. The event concludes with the presentation of awards and drawings for door prizes donated by local businesses.
The event continues to draw more attendees each year, from veteran snowmobilers who have been riding their whole lives to beginners who may only be in their first year of riding. Even people who do not snowmobile make their way to the event to see the wide variety of snowmobiles, watch the competitions, and participate in this fun winter community activity.
Founded in 1993, the Tri-County Trailblazers currently maintain over 90 miles of snowmobile trail near Spring Valley and in the surrounding area. Event attendees are encouraged to attend a Tri-County Trailblazer club meeting, learn more about what the club is all about, and consider joining. “One thing we always say is, snowmobile trails don’t just happen.” Says Troy Lange, Tri-County Trailblazer Club President, “Many people probably don’t understand all the work that goes into the snowmobile trails around us. There is a lot of time spent putting in trails sign, taking them out after the season, clearing trails or creating new routes, grooming the trails, and much more.”
To learn more about the Tri-County Trailblazer’s Snowmobile Club and this year’s event, visit the Tri-County Trailblazers Facebook page, or check the events calendar on the Spring Valley EDA website. People interested in attending this year’s event may also contact the club via email at tri-countytrailblazers@hotmail.com or by phone at 507-696-0199 for more details.
