2017 Paradise Vintage Snowmobile Show

Saturday, January 28 the Paradise Area Winter Carnival hosted a Vintage Snowmobile Show! The festivities started the night before with a free classic movie showing of Snow Dogs, but the riders did take part in the Pancake & Sausage Breakfast served by the Whitefish Township Emergency Medical Services team and the Snow Bake-Off Bake Sale

Courtesy Sarah Wilde

Setting Up for the Show

Paradise Vintage Jamboree Club

13 Sleds participated in this first inaugural event., Paradise Area Snowmobile Show. Passersby took advantage of the sights and sounds of these fine machines. The community Winter Carnival Snow Bake-Off was underway with their bake sale commencing at noon.

Bob Amber of Churubusco, Indiana

Sleds registered in the event included the following

2017 Vintage Snowmobile Show
1983 John Deere Sportfire
1982 John Deere Liquifire
1979 Polaris TX-C
1977 Polaris TX-2
1982 John Deere Trailfire
1979 Yamaha Exciter
1972 Evinrude Bobcat
1976 Yamaha SRA
1968 Evinrude Skeeter
1978 Yamaha Enticer 300
1974 Raider Double Eagle
1973 Mercury
1972 Ski-doo Olympic

A-1 Paradise Snowmobile Rentals donated two free fuel coupons, a synthetic oil blend, and synthetic oil for the Oldest Sled Award and the driver that traveled the furthest. Accepting the award for his 1968 Evinrude Skeeter, Ross Heavener was identified as having the oldest sled in the show. 

(L) Bob Amber of Churbusco, Ind; Ross Heavener, Paradise

Bob Amber accepted the certificate on behalf of the Paradise Vintage Jamboree club for the club with the most members participating in the show.  The certificate was provided by the Paradise Area Night Riders pledging to list the club's name on the foundation plaque of the groomer barn.

Elon and Diana Sumerix

A Piece of Paradise donated two snow mobile themed caps to this year's show which suited team Sumerix: Elon and Diana of Wolverine Michigan with their 1974 Raider Double Eagle and 1978 Yamaha Entice 300.

Tom Purdue

Tom Purdue honored his friend and long time community resident, Ed Byrd by bringing in Ed's 1973 Mercury! The North Country Trail's Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter provided the award for the Most Historically Significant Sled. Thanks Tom!


Mark Biesecker made it to the show! A special shout out to Larry, Mark, and Roger for their support in this initial event.  Many thanks to our sponsors this year: A-1 Paradise Snowmobile Rental, Paradise Area Night Riders, A Piece of Paradise, Silver Creek Grill & Pub, North Country Trails Hiawatha Shore to Shore.



Make plans today to participate in the 25th Annual Top of the Lake Show & Ride, Feb 17 - 19, 2017.

In the process of embracing the winter months, the Paradise area community is looking forward to their Ice Festival, February 24 – 26.  Starting with the classic movie, 8 Below, at the Whitefish Township Community Library Friday evening, a Free Winter MarketPlace Saturday, Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Saturday morning, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Sculpture Contest, and Polar Plunge, the entire weekend is filled with opportunities for snow mobiles, cross-country skiing, and snow shoe hikes.  Check the Ice Festival Information flyer for further details.