Photos for Jan. 13, 2021: Hale Antique, Vintage and Classic Snowmobile Show and Swap.
FIFTEEN YEARS AND COUNTING – With such eye-catching machines as this antique, 1964 Boatel Trailmaker, it’s clear why the annual snowmobile show in Hale is a hit with the crowds, year after year. Restored by the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, this 8 horsepower sled was displayed by Scott Havercroft, Greenbush, at the 15th annual show on Saturday. The Trail Tamer Groomer was fabricated with aluminum from a scrapped pontoon boat hoist.
NEW VENUE, SAME TRADITIONS – The Hale Antique, Vintage and Classic Snowmobile Show and Swap is typically held at American Legion Post 422. With the limits on indoor gatherings because of COVID-19, local resident and show coordinator, Greg Eno, hosted the 2021 event at his property on Jan. 9. The transition was seamless and even though the venue was different, the level of participation, numerous trophy announcements and dozens of distinct sleds remained unchanged from prior events.
FOR SALE – Ray resident Tim Reiter showcased this original, 1965 Hus-Ski Model 600 single track, which was also for sale during the Saturday snowmobile show and swap in Hale.
BUY, SELL OR SWAP – Registering a machine, viewing the displays and entering items in the swap meet were all free during the Hale Antique, Vintage and Classic Snowmobile Show and Swap. This 2002 Terra Trac, with a 31 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, was up for sale at the event by Virgil Morell, Onaway.
DEDICATION – She may have taken a tiny tumble from the machine during the Kitty Kat Race, but an unfazed Harper Eno, 3, Hale, popped right back up and onto the snowmobile to finish the course.
WINNERS ALL AROUND – The Kitty Kat Race, designated for those age 9 and younger, is a timed event. Regardless of the outcome, though, all 12 participants received a trophy. In addition to the local riders from Hale, they came from such areas as Goodrich, Kingsley, DeWitt, Sterling and Standish.
TROPHY TAKER – This year’s snowmobile show in Hale featured three different classes – antique, vintage and, for the first time, classic. Among the standout machines in 2021 were these two models, showcased by Doug Lubahn, Lapeer. The sled at right is an original, 1966 Arctic Cat, which earned him the Most Original Vintage trophy. He also took home some hardware for the machine at left, a 1963 restored Bonham Spartan-Travel Aire, for which he won the Show Favorite trophy. A rare find, Lubahn states that only approximately 20 of these Bonhams were ever made.
TRAVERSING THE TRAILS – Complete with snowshoes and a snow machine, Fenton resident Greg Busch ensured that he had all of his winter recreation bases covered with this display. The antique, snow-ready sled is an original, 1965 Trailmaker.
TRADITION FOR TAMRA – Fred Edgerton, right, presents the Tamra Edgerton Memorial Trophy to Ray resident Tim Reiter. The prize has been awarded each year in memory of Fred’s wife, since her passing in 2014, to the person who brings the oldest sled to the show. Reiter won the trophy this time around, for his 1957 Polaris Trail Master.
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HALE – Fifteen years, 17 trophies awarded, 115 machines on display and a large spectator tur…
