2018 Paradise Vintage Snowmobile Show

The 2018 Paradise Vintage Snowmobile Show held Saturday, January 27 had comfortable weather conditions, although it appeared that the 2018 January thaw would impact the show's participation; it was clear vintage snow mobiles have different trail condition mandates then today's newer models.  This year's event was held in conjunction with the Winter Carnival organized by the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year, the show organizers added several new features:  a 50/50 drawing, Best of Show winner, and a show ride.  The 50/50 drawing was held at the community center (the location of the show).  The pot would be split evenly between the winning drawn ticket and the Best of Show sled owner selected by a team of judges. The show ride was led by the Paradise Vintage Jamboree Club to the Paradise Area Night Rider’s barn.

Best of Show, Kevin Campbell, (left) Vicksburg, splits 50/50 with Brian Wachter, (to his immediate right) Paradise

The judges selected a 1975 Mercury sled owned by Kevin Campbell of Vicksburg, Michigan.

1975 Mercury, Best of Show owned by Kevin Campbell, Vicksburg, MI

 Troy Miley of Oakland City, Indiana traveled the furthest to the show to display and ride his 1982 Ski-Doo.

1975 Mercury Sled owned by Troy Miley, Oakland City, Ind, came the greatest distance, 689 Miles

The Oldest Sled in this show was a 1971 Sno Jet driven by Noah Jordan of Coloma Michigan.

Oldest Sled, 1971 Sno Jet Driven by Hoah Jordan of Coloma MI

The club with the greatest number of participants was the Paradise Vintage Jamboree Club.  Club President, Ross Heavener, Paradise driving a 1982 Kawaski to the show.

Paradise Vintage Jamboree Club

Shown in the image below, Best of Show winner, Kevin Campbell with his 1975 Mercury Sled was delighted to learn of his pending prize and encouraged everyone to buy more tickets.

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Best of Show Splits 50/50 Pot with Winning Ticket Holder

       
The winning ticket was drawn by Paradise resident, Don Bitnar; the ticket was purchased by Brian Wachter who entered a 1974 Evnrude in the show.





A special treat this year was an entry by William Zeeman, Eckerman, a 1973 800 Hirth Engine Ice Sled.  This entry created a lot of stops to the show and conversation as to the unique character of this rig. 

1973 800  Hirth Engine Ice Sled

Prizes for this year's Vintage Snowmobile Show were provided by the Paradise Area Night Riders, Silver Creek Grill & Pub, Paradise Foods, and Gene's Tahquamenon General Store.  The only cash prize offered was the 50/50 drawing share of the pot.  There were no registration fees to participate in the show.  Plans for the 2019 show are scheduled for the last Saturday in January, the 26th, 2019.  Make plans today to bring your machine to Paradise!