OLD FORGE, NY – The Central Adirondack Association (CAA) will be kicking off the 2022-23 snowmobile season with the annual Snodeo event at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on the weekend of December 9, 10, and 11. The North Street pavilion in Old Forge will be filled with sleds, gear, and accessories that no snowmobile enthusiast will want to miss. All four major manufacturers (Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo, and Yamaha) will be on hand, plus other vendors including, Hudon’s Sled Salvage & Power Sports, Guaranteed Traction Solution, Northland Trailers, RPM Apparel, Mack Studs, Curve Industries, Patriot Trailers as well as many more new and repeat vendors.

Guests will have the opportunity to get everything on their Christmas shopping lists for that winter enthusiast in just one location. Snodeo will open its doors, Friday, December 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. Food will be provided by the Old Forge Junior Fire Department. Beverages and tastings from Grow Brewery will also be available all weekend long. On Saturday, Snodeo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap will begin with registration at 9 a.m. Awards will be given in nineteen different categories, including Best of Show and People’s Choice, at 2 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee per sled and pre-registration is not required.

At noon, the ever popular Kitty-Kat, 120cc and 120 super mod class Youth Snowmobile Races will begin. Parents or guardians must register racers in the pavilion beginning at 10 am. Safety gear, such as helmets and boots, are required. All youth racers will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, and an award ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. There is no fee to register, thanks to sponsorship by the Old Forge Camping Resort. Children can also expect a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus starting at 11 a.m.

Snodeo will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 1 p.m., the raffle drawing will take place in the pavilion. New this year, the grand prize winner will choose from $10,000 cash or $11,000 toward a future order of an in-stock or used snowmobile of their choice from Big Moose Arctic Cat, Don’s Polaris, Smith Marine, or Big Moose Yamaha. The second place winner will receive $1,000, third place prize is $500, fourth place prize is $300, and fifth and sixth place prizes will be $100 each. Winners must be present to win cash prizes (other than the grand prize.)

Tickets are available for $20 a piece, with only 1,500 tickets sold. They are available at the Old Forge Visitor’s Information Center and online at Snodeo.com, as well as at the pavilion during Snodeo weekend. Snodeo offers free admission and parking, and, on Saturday, a free shuttle bus service to the event. For more information, visit Snodeo.com or call the Old Forge Visitor’s Information Center at (315) 369-6983.

Here’s a peek at a typical Snodeo event:

Youngsters get ready for Snodeo’s youth races. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

A large crowd browses a variety of snowmobile attire and gear from an array of vendors in the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

Snowmobile enthusiasts testing out demo sleds. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

One of Snodeo’s youngest fans perches atop a snazzy model. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

Santa and Mrs. Claus spot a vintage sled that seems made for the pair. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

Snodeo youth racers line up at the starting line. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.

Photo at top: A yeti gets attendees amped up for Snodeo. Photo by Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.