'Just a fun run for old sleds': Vintage snowmobile show and ride brings hundreds to Lake Park

Old Timers Snowmobile Show.JPG — Snowmobiles of every vintage, size, color and description were on display outside the Lake Park Liquor Store on Saturday morning, Feb. 5, for a show that preceded the annual Old Timers Snowmobile Run, hosted by the Midnite Riders.

By Vicki Gerdes

February 06, 2022 at 5:46 PM

If the standing-room-only crowd inside Lake Park Liquor Store on the morning of Feb. 5 was any indication, the day's blowing snow and frigid temperatures were no deterrent to success for the annual Old Timers Snowmobile Show and Run.

Arctic Cat Puma.jpg — This vintage 1971 Arctic Cat Puma, owned by Keith Hovelson of Cormorant, Minnesota, was one of the more colorful entries in the vintage snowmobile show that preceded this year's Old Timers Snowmobile Run in Lake Park. Hovelson took first place in the custom sled category.

Hosted by the Midnite Riders Snowmobile Club, the event drew several hundred sleds to the lot outside the liquor store for the start of the run, with several taking part in the judging held prior to the event, as well.

Closer look.JPG — Some of the more colorful entries in the vintage snowmobile show held prior to the Old Timers Snowmobile Run on Saturday warranted a second, or even a third look from visitors.

"We have about 120 sleds out there for the trophy show, and there's going to be 400-500 sleds leaving from here (for the run), with more joining in along the trail," said Tom Holmes, trails coordinator for the Midnite Riders.

Colorful sledding gear.JPG — Though many chose to stick to shades of black and white for their snowmobiling gear, some of the Old Timers Run participants chose to stand out in the crowd.

Holmes noted that there was no set course for the run; riders could choose to take any route to enjoy the hospitality of the eight stops along the way, including the Lake Park and Audubon liquor stores as well as Pit 611, Hooligan's, TJ's Bar & Bistro, Cormorant Inn, Cormorant Pub and the Roadhouse.

Old Timers Run Start.JPG — After the snowmobile show concluded, the vintage sled riders began to line up outside the Lake Park Liquor Store for the start of the Old Timers Run.

"There's no particular way you have to go," Holmes said. "It's just a fun run for old sleds."

Prior to the 10:30 a.m. start of the run itself, early attendees were able to view a wide range of vintage sleds on display.

"We have everything from the really early vintages, early 1960s and even a couple of '40s and '50s, up through 1997 (models)," Holmes said, adding that while all sleds could participate in the run itself, regardless of age, only those at least 25 years old were eligible for entry in the show that preceded it.

Midnite Riders Snowmobile Show Results

Trophy winners for the vintage snowmobile show held in conjunction with the Old Timers Snowmobile Show were as follows:

Kids' Class: Brenner and Marvin Knutson, Frazee
Rat Class: Tyler Brock, Lake Park
Custom Class: Keith Hovelson, Cormorant
Sleds 1974 and Older: Paul Hogenson, Audubon
Sleds 1975 and Newer: Duane Musolf, Lake Park
Sleds 1969 and Older: First place, Randy Lefebfvre, Detroit Lakes; 2nd place, Bryan Nordhagen, Fargo
1970-73 Class: First place, Kip Bailey, Borup; 2nd place, Dustin Knutson, Frazee
1974-80 Class: First place, Howard Olson, Detroit Lakes; 2nd place, Mike Carik, Fargo.
Sleds 1981 and Newer: First place, J. Blake, Detroit Lakes; 2nd place, Jenny Knutson, Frazee.
Best of Show: Randy Lefebvre, Detroit Lakes.

By Vicki Gerdes

A reporter at Detroit Lakes Newspapers since relocating to the community in October 2000, Vicki was promoted to Community News Lead for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Perham Focus on Jan. 1, 2022. She has covered pretty much every "beat" that a reporter can be assigned, from county board and city council to entertainment, crime and even sports. Born and raised in Madelia, Minnesota, she is a graduate of Hamline University, from which she earned a bachelor's degree in English literature (writing concentration). You can reach her at vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.

'Just a fun run for old sleds': Vintage snowmobile show and ride brings hundreds to Lake Park

Despite blowing snow and frigid temperatures, the Old Timers Snowmobile Run brought hundreds of riders and vintage snowmobile lovers to Lake Park on Feb. 5.

Midnite Riders Snowmobile Show Results