16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show
16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

Fun, Fellowship and Funds to Support the Community

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show

If you have a passion for antique and/or vintage snowmobiles, and would enjoy a beautiful group ride and some great family fun, the Relic Riders weekend event in Rapid River, MI is an absolute must.

The 16th Annual Vintage and Antique Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet is taking place the weekend of January 28 (ride) and January 29 (show), 2022.

“I can guarantee it’s going to be quite a blast,” said David Shope, President of the Rapid River Relic Riders. “We had to cancel our ride and show in 2021 and that disappointed a lot of folks, and they are certainly gearing up to come back in force this year!”

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

 

The Ride

On January 28, 100+ will convene for a breathtaking 11 mile (one way) group ride to Gladstone. Weather and safety permitting, participants will traverse over Little Bay De Noc, which in itself is a unique and stunning adventure. “I’ve been on dozens of group rides, and this one to Gladstone is the best – it’s spectacular,” said David.

The destination in Gladstone is the Brampton Township Hall, where riders will break to gather for lunch catered by the Rapid River Mini Mart, a bonfire, comradery and just a wonderful time.

“In 2020 we had 418 sleds on the ride,” said David. “This is one heck of a group ride!”

Upon return, David and the Relic will host a large bonfire and of course – more comradery.

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

The Show

Show day starts early on the 29th with the Lions Club as the main hub. Main Street will shut down with over 150 snowmobiles displayed indoors and out.

Fun and whimsical trophies are awarded for six different categories including Oldest Spectator Award and Furthest Traveled, which David says is always interesting because people come from all over and even book their stay for the following year while in town.

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

Beyond the fun and fellowship, the main goal of the event is to raise funds to give back to the community. The event encompasses a canned food drive with all donations going to local churches and St. Vincent DePaul. All donations made for the event on Show Day go to the Lion’s Club.

Two big highlights of the show that contribute largely to funds raised are the raffle and auction.

“This year we are raffling a 1973 GP 338 Yamaha with just 526 miles,” said David. We have many big ticket items in the raffle which makes it a great time.”

Ultimately, five scholarships are given to the local schools each year to award to one male student and one female student.

Family Fun

While the sleds take center stage, there are lots of family fun events and games for the kids including a ‘Turkey Shuffle’ and ‘Sawdust Quarter Hunt.’ All youth who enter a sled receive a trophy and medallion.

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders,Vintage Snowmobile,Snowmobile Show

The Rapid River Relic Riders

Established in 2007 by David and his brother in law, Rapid River Relic Riders consists of nearly 80 individuals who are quite passionate about their sleds. In fact, David’s private collection surpasses 200, and among them is a 1964 Voyager Polaris that’s one of just four that are known.

It’s clear that this is an energized group, ready to get this year’s weekend underway reconnect with the community, friends and fellow snowmobile enthusiasts.

Says David, “I’ll say it again, it’s going to be such a blast and so nice for the town and guests to come together and do what we love doing.”

For more information and updates, check out the Relic Riders Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rapidriver.relicriders.

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