It was a dark and stormy night........but that didn't keep any of the campers from enjoying each other's company. They were at Erskine Marine waiting in anticipation for the 8th annual Mid-Michigan Snowmobile Swap & Vintage Show to begin the next morning. Even though the Hope, MI area had certainly seen more than its fair share of rain in the past few days (almost five inches!) and the forecast was calling for fifty percent chance of thunderstorms, the skies completely cleared Sunday August 7, seemingly for the sole purpose of allowing the swap & show to take place in the comfort of another beautiful summer day.
Due to the soggy ground conditions, the "show sleds" display area was moved to the opposite end of the main tent. The move made off-loading the sleds more of an exercise in precision, but thanks to the crack crew and everyone's help and patience, the job got done with no problems at all.
Everyone who made the decision to brave the elements were well-rewarded. There were 110 registered show sleds that were absolutely incredible. Nine of those sleds were in our Youth Display. The quality of every entry was of very high caliber!! There wasn't a single machine that any sane person wouldn't be proud to own. Thanks to everyone for showing your sleds and letting everyone appreciate the view. The obvious care and hard work put into each sled proved the dedication of the owners and their love of the sport.
The front or "Feature" row was a Yamaha lovers dream with nothing but greatness from one end to the other. Long-time former Michigan oval racer Dana Wiltse brought out Jim Adema's number one of one custom, hand-built water-jacketed 292 single Thunderjet - a sled that has earned its marked place in snowmobile racing history.
John McGuirk, a well-noted collector from Ohio, brought a 1946 Eliason Motor-toboggan. He fired it up several times during the day and never failed to draw a crowd. You won't come across many of these un-restored beauties!
Not only were there fantastic sleds in the Vintage Show, but there was also plenty of snowmobile eye candy in the swap area. The Warning family of Illinois sent brothers Brad and Keith with their Budweiser Snow King, a speed sled that looks similar to a top speed dragster car and boasts four Yamaha VMax four-cylinder motors. They gave us all a sixteen-cylinder roaring salute each time they fired up the sled. What a treat to see (and hear)!!
Another treat was a visit from Jim, Marlene, and Brian Musselman of Woody's. Jim and Brian, a multiple Soo I-500 race winner, spent a couple hours touring the swap and show areas and visiting countless friends and former race competitors. Many a large smile were seen on the faces of both ends of those encounters - it's always great to see Brian.
There was some concern the forecast would affect the attendance of swappers but the area was again filled almost to capacity. Way to go Diehard Sled Heads! Dealers like Dick Marckel/Margo Racing and Lost Viking Enterprises as well as individuals alike had their trucks and trailers filled with all sorts of goodies and there were plenty of shoppers.
