Antique and Vintage Sleds On and Off the Ice
Oswego County, N.Y. -- More than 4,000 snowmobile racers, owners and spectators are expected to take part in the tenth annual Great Eastern Whiteout Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12, 13, and 14 at the Fulton War Memorial on NYS Route 3. The vintage snowmobile show and races are hosted by the Fulton Area Snowmobile Travelers (FAST).
The event is considered the largest antique snowmobile show in the Northeast, said show coordinator Joe Raechal. "We are expecting to have over 400 show sleds on display and in excess of 250 racing sleds competing in races on Lake Neahtahwanta," he noted.
Vintage snowmobiles will race all day Saturday on an oval track on Lake Neahtahwanta. On Sunday, 75 drag racers will compete. Also running on Sunday are a 100-mile Enduro run and an antiques and vintage sled trail ride from the Fulton War Memorial to the Lysander Fire House. Both events start at 9 a.m. Sunday.
There will be a large swap area for used sleds and parts as well as several vendors and sponsor displays inside the War Memorial.
Organizers expect visitors from as far away as Wisconsin, Kentucky and New Hampshire to show their sleds or race in the Great Eastern Whiteout. There are numerous entry classes for racing and displays. Sleds in the "dinosaur" class date to 1971 and older.
"Oswego County is well-known for its ability to handle the abundant snowfall that we receive," said Dave Turner, director of the County Department of Community Development, Tourism, and Planning. "Our snowmobile clubs do a fantastic job of maintaining and grooming our 361-mile trail system. We welcome all the riders and spectators, and wish all the participants a successful Whiteout event."
Visitors will also have a chance to purchase tickets and take home a 1971 AMF Skidaddler snowmobile. The sled was donated by Bruce Butler of Lysander Construction.
"Every year we have a really nice sled donated to us by a person or business," said Raechal. "For a 1971 Skidaddler, it is in very nice original shape." All proceeds will go to the Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse. Other fundraisers will benefit the Oswego County BOCES scholarship fund.
There will be a "Whiteout Warmup" from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at the Lakeview Manor in Fulton. Show registration is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13. Oval race registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 13. Entry forms for the show and races are available online at http://www.thegreateasternwhiteout.net
For show information, e-mail Raechal at Skidoo72@twcny.rr.com, or Bruce Butler at Lysfenceman@aol.com. For race details, contact Dan Kerr at blackcreek03@yahoo.com or Tracy Doyle at bunnysbikes48@yahoo.com
For accommodations and visitor information, go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com or call the Oswego County Tourism Office at 315-349-8322.
Photo captions
CLASSIC SNOWMOBILES such as these vintage Johnson sleds will be lined up by the hundreds at the Great Eastern Whiteout, Feb. 12 through 14, in Fulton. (Photo provided by Great Eastern Whiteout.)
VINTAGE RACING SLEDS will compete on an oval track Saturday, Feb. 13, on Lake Neahtahwanta in Fulton. (Photo provided by Great Eastern
Whiteout.)
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Contact: Janet West Clerkin Tourism and Public Information Coordinator http://www.visitoswegocounty.com (315) 349-8324