The Vermilion Ridge Riders 9th annual Snowmobile Expo was held on November 26 at the Vermilion Regional Centre, and it was certainly a success for the club as they had 350 people in attendance throughout the day, and the hall was filled with vintage and collectible sleds.

“This show is amazing,” commented Chris Brookes, Executive Director of the Alberta Snowmobile Association.

Throughout the show the rarest of the rare were on display including a 1961 Autoboggan, a 1963 Trail A Plane, and a 1973 one ski Sno Blazer, as well as many of the common models that brought back memories of the days gone by. Standing in front of his 1973 John Deere, Jim West of Vermilion remarked, “This was our first sled.”

Throughout the event attendees were able to purchase snow gear and check out new model snowmobiles including a snowbike! Which I have to say was pretty cool.

“Thanks to the dealers for setting up displays and providing door prizes; and also to Cornerstone Co-op for the door prize gift basket won by Merle and Roman Kells.

And of course thanks to the more than 50 contributors from AB, SK, MB, and Minnesota. who brought antique and vintage sleds for all to enjoy,” said show organizer and collector Chris Swan.

If the tummy started to growl while at the show guests could grab something to eat and drink at the Red Brick concession.

“Special thanks to Emily and staff from the Red Brick who hosted the concession serving up a tasty breakfast, lunches and snacks,” commented Swan.

Swan would like to send out a huge thank you to all that were involved.

“It was another successful Ridge Rider Snowmobile Expo! Special thanks to all the club members and volunteers who gave their time and effort helping with set up on Friday to unload and set up sleds and then to pack up on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. It was a great show, see you next year!” said Swan.

The expo was not only a success with the amount of sleds they had on display and number of attendees they had come through the door as the club also raised $500 and collected five large boxes of food to be donated to the Vermilion Food Bank, which the club was extremely thankful for and would like to thank the many generous donors.