As a rule, January is one of the best months for snow and snowmobiling in Michigan. As a kid who grew up in northern Michigan, I remember storms in the ’70s that lasted days and dumped loads of snow. My dad and I had a 10-horse Ski-Doo, and I ran many roads. Not many trails back then, but with all the snow we use to get, roads worked fine to get around.
Lots going on in January 1991. Michigan Special Olympics was getting ready for the state winter games to be held in February at Sugarloaf Mountain resort. The athletes look forward to these events each year. This event is still going on now in 2020. Wertz Warriors have a lot to do with Special Olympics now. Drummond Island, always an exciting snowmobiling destination, was gearing up for the rest of the winter events. The island is a place to plan a visit in both winter and summer. Hard to explain what a unique experience it is. The tree line to Canada is a must in the wintertime. Make plans to visit the island this winter.
Jan’s Sport Shop heads its 1st annual swap meet in December and, with more than 300 people attending, Jan said, “It was a great success.” Even though the weather was warm and sunny, with no snow, people still were out to check out the deals. Jan plans to hold a swap meet again next December.
North American Snowmobile Festival plans were unveiled. Many new events and improvements on previously successful ones, the 7th annual festival, to be held in Cadillac Jan. 31-Feb. 3, features many new events as well as exciting changes to the many traditional ones. Location for the indoor events had to be moved due to the growing crowds. The indoor events will now be held at the Wexford Civic Center, which can accommodate twice as many people and is the largest indoor arena in northern Michigan. All events can still be reached by snowmobile. If you have never attended this festival weekend, make plans to this year.
For the ultimate in snowmobiling adventure, Newberry can’t be beat. Offering miles and miles of abundant scenic snowmobile trails and genuine friendly hospitality, Newberry is a natural recreational playground for snowmobiling enthusiasts. This peacefully little community eagerly awaits the arrival of the snowmobiling season.
With an average snowfall of 200-plus inches and more than 500 miles of trails, you can see many things in the area. The Tahquamenon Falls are a day trip away and well worth the ride, with Paradise and Whitefish Point along the way.
Winter vacation planning is now made easier by calling the Grand Traverse Convention and Visitors Bureau toll free. (Funny now we Google everything). By calling the 800 number you can find out about accommodations, food service places and, of course, trail and snow conditions.
The 1st annual Viking 300 was held on Dec. 29. As piercing winds swept across Alexandria, temperatures fell to a record low with a wind chill of minus 62 below. Brutally severe weather not only took its toll on racing equipment, but also posed extremely dangerous frostbite conditions for the drivers as well. Needless to say, spectator participation was drastically low due to the bitter arctic cold. Local TV and radio were warning people to stay indoors for their own protection. But, with all the water that was put down and the low temps, the track was in excellent condition. Williams Benner Top Gun Racing II wins the 1st annual Viking 300 held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Second place went to Team Buckler/Meeker Racing with Paul Buckler and Jeff Longton. We know the racers all had a good time and they appreciated everything we did for them. Can’t wait for next year. Hopefully, it won’t be as cold.