Andover Snowmobile Club Wraps Up a Busy Winter

Not much snow, but lots of fun

By Allan Houle, ASC

 

Fifty-four antique and vintage snow machines were on display at the Andover Snowmobile Club's annual Highland Lake Snofest, by far the largest turnout yet. Photo: Allan Houle
Fifty-four antique and vintage snow machines were on display at the Andover Snowmobile Club’s annual Highland Lake Snofest,  the largest turnout yet for the Snofest. Photo: Allan Houle

The Andover Snowmobile Club would like to thank everyone that came out in support of our latest events. This winter turned out to be one of little snowfall in our area but we were very busy with other events.

On Saturday, January 30, we were happy to feed over 200 people at our Annual Italina Buffet, with lots of hot food, cold beverages, and many deserts so no one would go home hungry.

We were also very pleased to hold our raffle for Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo. This event had over 130 items at the raffle tables that extended from one end of the Andover Elementary/Middle School Auditorium to the other. Individuals purchased tickets and placed them in the bucket for the items that they would like to win. The winning ticket was then drawn and the item  delivered to the lucky winner. We are very pleased to announce that we raised $2,700. for Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo. This will help to sponsors campers this coming summer. We cannot thank the community enough for supporting this worthwhile cause as it is a great feeling to sponsor an event like this.

We would like to thank the Andover Elementary/Middle School for hosting this event and a big Thank You to all of our volunteers for making this event happen.

Our other Event was held on Saturday, February 20, at the Highland Lake Fish and Game Clubhouse. This was our 13th Annual Highland Lake Snofest with 54 Antique and Vintage Snowmobiles on display which was to date our largest showing of snowmobiles.

The day started with a little snow and our groomer made a pass on the railbed to pack down what little snow we had. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Office has a special permit for events like this to allow for riding in a specific area without state registration. Many took advantage of riding on the railbed and Highland Lake. These early day machines do not require a lot of snow due to their wheeled suspensions and air cooled engines. There were many smiling faces. It is great to see where this sport came from and appreciate how these machines have progressed over the years. We had hot food available along with vintage snowmobile videos playing in the clubhouse.

It was a great day and we thank everyone that attended and volunteered to make this a successful event.