The 3^rd Annual Mid-Michigan Snowmobile Swap & Show at Erskine Marine on Sunday August 6, 2006 was a great place for snowmobile fans to be, especially those who are vintage and antique sled collectors.

An increase in attendance proved that these diehard sled heads weren’t going to be effected by rising fuel costs.  While many people traveled from within Michigan, some still drove from Canada, Indiana, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.  What troopers! 

Swappers and show exhibitors alike were anxious to get the day started.  Trucks and trailers were in line before the gates opened at 7am.  Some came the day before to set up their displays because just one load wasn’t enough for all the items they wanted to share with others.  Some set up camp and spent “Swap & Show Eve” telling sled stories.  They were awakened the next morning by the roaring sound of motors running.  What a cool alarm clock they had!

Stevens Sports Center of Midland, MI offered a viewing of the new Polaris Edge 600 Touring Sled. 

Polaris fans were also treated to factory clothing at deep discounts, specifically selected for this show.  We’ll be looking forward to more bargains next year!

Spicer’s Boat City of Houghton Lake, MI brought a treasure-trove disguised as a trailer that was LOADED with all kinds of parts hand-picked for this event.  Antique and vintage collectors found that many of their searches had finally come to an end.  Lots of people went home with some awesome deals for their newer sleds, too.  Plan to visit this booth at the 2007 show.

The Michigan Snowmobile Association was on hand to offer their support for the sport by providing rules, regulations and guides for trail riders.  Plenty of good information and useful tips could be found through the friendly agents at their booth.

What made this year’s show particularly interesting was Monty’s challenge to have sleds representing as many of the over 100 snowmobile manufacturers as possible, no matter what condition.  It was a great idea!  Apparently, a lot of other people felt the same, as the response was incredible.  We are pleased to announce that there were 117 sleds on display representing 37 different manufacturers!  It was pretty exciting to see so many brands of snowmobiles in one day, let alone, in one place.

On display at the main tent was a bounty of items, very generously donated, for the raffles that ran all day.  Two winners were announced every fifteen minutes with a fast and furious “Power Raffle” at the end of the day.      

Then, it was time to present awards to the 2006 Vintage Show winners…………drum roll,  please………

Best in Show:

Second Consecutive Year Winner - Joe Francis, MI .......... 1976 Rupp Magnum L/C 250

People's Choice:

Greg Karbowski, MI .......... 1974 Roloflex Wild One 340

Oldest Sled (Three-way tie):

Farthest Traveled and Youngest Displayer:

Largest Display:

Curt Eagle, OH .......... Suzuki Collection

The most often used statements of the day made by spectators milling around the grounds, taking in the sun and displays, were similar to one of the following:

In case you didn't attend this year's show, here are a few of the sleds you missed:

Proceeds from the raffle are used for the betterment of the next year’s show.  The items contributed this year to the “Vendor Goodie Bags”, as well as to the raffle, demonstrated some impressive generosity.  We are sincerely grateful and wish to express our thanks – please join us in supporting the following donors who support the sport:

Alex’s Railside Restaurant - Sanford, MI

Carquest - Midland, MI

Circle Auto Parts – Midland, Sanford, & Freeland, MI

Craftender – Beaverton, MI

Deka/Wonch Battery Co. – Bay City, MI

Don’s Auto Tailoring – Sanford, MI

Erskine Marine – Hope, MI

Fairview Inn – Midland, MI

Goodall Insurance Agency – Sanford, MI

Harbron Electric - Midland, MI

Ieuter & Secor Insurance Agency – Midland, MI

JP’s Pizza – Wixom Lake & Hale, MI

Karbowski’s Restoration – Holland, MI

Marshall Distributing – Cass City, MI

McDurmon Distributing – Fenton, MI

Mitchart Signs – Midland, MI

Rumors – Hope, MI

Sanford Hardware – Sanford, MI

Snug Haven Resort – Harrison, MI

Spicer’s Boat City – Houghton Lake, MI

Stevens Sport Center – Midland, MI

Steve’s Country Corner – Coleman, MI

Teshio Consulting – Beaverton, MI

Wolverine Bank, FSB – Midland, Saginaw, & Frankenmuth, MI

Woody’s Traction & Control – Hope, MI

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended for sharing your enthusiasm for snowmobiling with us and hope to see you again next year at the 2007 Swap & Show on Sunday August 5.