Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
A VINTAGE Snocat, driven by Matt Van Tuyl, travels down the snowmobile trail in Hurley as part of a parade of vintage snow machines Friday.
Even though it took a bit longer than last year for the trails to open, the recent snowfall meant snowmobilers could travel the Gogebic Range, with a parade of vintage snowmobiles traveling from Ironwood to Hurley Friday night to watch fireworks and kick off the weekend's Snowmobile Olympus races in Ironwood.
The parade and fireworks were organized by the Hurley Chamber of Commerce, with the help of the White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club.
Beginning in Ironwood's Depot Park, the parade traveled along the snowmobile trail running parallel to Silver Street before ending at the Iron Horse Trailhead.
The club, which is based in Oma, Wis., had two trail groomers leading the parade and two utility-task vehicles bringing up the rear should any participants need a tow.
Organizers estimate about 35 snowmobiles and other vintage snow vehicles took part in the parade, with club member Joe Olson saying most vehicles were dated anywhere from the late '60s to the 1980s.
"It was great to get on the trail and we only had one sled that broke down and had to get towed," Olson said. "It was a nice turnout."
A fireworks display followed the parade.
The club also served refreshments and sold 50/50 tickets after the fireworks.
The club grooms 140 miles of trails in the area, with Olson saying roughly 100 miles of trail are open for use.
The club will also be at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds, where the Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus is being held beginning at 9:30 a.m., volunteering and holding a vintage snowmobile show on Saturday from approximately 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the multi-use building.
