The event was paired with a chicken barbecue as well and local band Lincoln Hill played at the eve from 4 to 8 p.m.
“This is the first time we’ve worked together on something like this,” said Sons Commander Dan McNally. “We’re trying to get back into combined efforts like this. It’s great when everyone can work together and be happy doing it.”
“Something like this just gets everyone together,” said Tri-Valley President Bill Vineall, “and if we raise a couple bucks here or there that’s a good thing.” The chicken
barbecue was the major fundraiser at the event and proceed went toward both groups.
Behind the Legion, various collectors had their snowmobiles on display. Based on votes from everyone at the show, the best sled would be given a big trophy,
with others getting smaller trophies.
Jeff Cobb of Oneida had his antique snowmobiles on display, showcasing a series of Hus-Ski’s that he has collected over the years.
“I bought my first in 1962 and I’ve been collecting ever
since,” Cobb said. “I just collect them, I can’t sell them.”
Cobb explained that the brand, Hus-Ski was different than most at the time in the sixties, featuring a track or set of tracks on the front of the snowmobile and
skis on the back, as opposed to brands like Arctic Cat that are the opposite. The first Hus-Skis were designed by lumberjacks, who would use their chainsaw
motors to power the machine. Hus-Ski was eventually bought out by Bolen, who changed the original yellow color to red as a marketing strategy for their Diablo model.
“As a kid, I used to ride around on a Hus-Ski and I held
onto it,” said Cobb. “Some guys collect nostalgic cars; we’re into old snowmobiles.”
Cobb said that there are similar events similar shows
almost every weekend. The farthest he has ever gone for a show was St. Jerome, which was a 14-hour car ride for his family into Quebec.
Next weekend is another big collectors' event outside of Camden where families are invited to bring their snowmobiles for a day of fun. Cobb said he is excited
to bring the old sleds to an event like the Ski-Doo Picnic and can’t wait to ride around with his family. The event is at Jim Suits County Barn on Hillsboro Road in Camden.
Source: www.oneidadispatch.com