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RANGELEY — Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club’s Snodeo is set to begin Jan. 30 for three days of events and activities ranging from cardboard box sled races to a thrilling professional stunt show.
Snodeo showcases the trails, clubs, businesses and people of the region. The weekend attracts snowmobiling enthusiasts from near and far. However, a snowmobile is not needed to take part in or enjoy many of the weekend’s activities.
Pulling off the club’s largest fundraiser of the year is a momentous task that requires many hours of volunteer work and months of planning. In the midst of all the prepping, the club maintains about 170 miles of snowmobile trails.
“The club has 14 board members and many dedicated volunteers,” board member Chris Wargo said. “To put Snodeo together, it takes every board member and a lot of volunteers. It is hands on, all weekend.”
The club is excited to have the RaveX Outer Limits Freestyle show return after a hiatus, Wargo said. The thrilling stunt show is a spectator favorite.
A stunt rider with RaveX performs at the Snodeo in Rangeley in 2017. RaveX is scheduled to return to Rangeley for a Feb. 1 performance. Morning Sentinel file
“RaveX is the biggest draw for Snodeo and we used to have it at Boss Power Equipment,” Wargo said. “When they put the gas pumps in, we lost the real estate. Kelly Stokes, the owner of Oquossoc Grocery, and her sister, Beth Eastlack of Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals, teamed up and put RaveX back on for the club.”
In addition to financial sponsorships, several local businesses such as Rangeley Inn & Tavern and Moose Alley have donated venue space or committed to hosting events, Wargo said. This is the first year Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub will host the Chili & Chowder Cookoff, she added. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales are donated back to the club.
Wargo said other snowmobile clubs assist by hosting events. Narrow Gauge Snowmobile Club lends a hand by running Friday’s live auction at Moose Alley and Harrison Friendly Riders run Saturday’s Radar Run at Bald Mountain Camps.
Put together a pot of signature chili or chowder for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. Categories include: Stormy White Chili, Mild Sledders Delight, Tightline 5 Alarm, Under the Sea Chowdah’, Flatlander Chowdah’, and People’s Choice Chili and Chowder. Those interested should contact Crystal Sargent at Sarge’s 207-864-5616 and prepare 5 gallons of chili or chowder.
Casino Night
The Rangeley Inn & Tavern, 7-10 p.m.
Take part in an evening of casino games to benefit the club. Dealing will start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan 31
Live Auction
Moose Alley
Happy Hour begins at 4 p.m., auction gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Live auction co-hosted by Larry Koob. Bid on big ticket items, special dinners, Snodeo memorabilia and more.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Radar Runs
Bald Mountain Camps, 7 a.m.
Hosted by Harrison Friendly Riders Radar Runs
Cardboard Box Sled Race
Mingo Springs Golf Course, 9:30 a.m.
Create a 1990s neon cardboard sled and compete in fun and friendly races. Trophies will be awarded across several categories, including Best Decorated, Longest Run, Best Wipeout.
RaveX Outer Limits Freestyle Show
Between Oquossoc Grocery and Oquossoc Marine, 1 p.m.
’90s Neon Parade
Main Street, 5 p.m.
Line up begins at 4:30 p.m. The parade begins at Rangeley Inn and continues down Main Street to Moose Alley. Trophies will be awarded for Best Sled, Best Used Snowmobile, Vintage, Best Side-by-side, Best Float.
Fireworks
Town Cove park, following the parade
For more information about the club or Snodeo events, visit rangeleysnowmobile.com.
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