ARCTIC CAT 60TH HOMECOMING COLLECTOR’S EVENT RECAP PART I

arcticinsider

2 years ago

Like any event you’ve had to wait in anticipation for a duration of time, it seems to go by in a blink of an eye, and over entirely too quick. That’s how I felt about the Arctic Cat 60^th Homecoming Collectors Show held this past weekend.

Some over cast skies provided rain off and on throughout the weekend, but provided an extremely beautiful backdrop for the 120th Annual Pennington County Fair.

It was brilliant to hold the show in conjunction with the 120th Annual Pennington County Fair. The entire fairgrounds was hopping with activity for families when they weren’t busy taking in all the Arctic Cat sights and stories in the Engelstad Arena.

Legendary cover band, Hairball, shook the grandstands on Thursday night with all your favorite 80s rock tunes. Fans loved their version of Twisted Sister and frontman Dee Snider.

Reflecting back, I’ve left Thief River Falls completely revved up over the Arctic Cat brand. Much like the 50^th, an Arctic Cat energy engulfed the town and was infectious for enthusiasts. Here’s a look into Thursday when I arrived. Ill cover the remaining event in the coming days.

THURSDAY

Thursday was set-up day, and it was pretty cool to see a line of trailers going through town headed to the Ralph Engelstad Arena. For me, this was the start of the Arctic Cat energy beginning to encompass the town.

Its not too often you get to see a trailer full of squeaky clean Z and ZR race sleds. It was quite fun to watch displayers pull in with their fav Cats.

When everything was loaded into the Ralph, there were about 200 Arctic Cat machines, marketing and advertising memorabilia, parts, garments and accessories representing Arctic Cat’s 60 Years.

Signs were set-up in the front entrance to greet the crowds throughout the weekend.

This display welcoming show-goers in the front entrance of the Ralph Engelstad Arena, represented a model from (L-R) 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000, 10 and 20. What was your favorite era?

Here’s a closer video look at the 60 Years of Arctic Cat models in the front lobby.

Arctic Cat blindsided most brand enthusiasts with an announcement that they would be introducing the new 2024 snowmobile platform at Hay Days. They even showed a sneak peek photo of it. (See story HERE) If I had a nickel for every time I was asked if I had seen and/or ridden it, Id be announcing my retirement today! BTW – The answer is, YES!

Thursday after set-up, I went to the Black Cat Bar n Grill and sat at the corner of the bar waiting for Joey Hallstrom (Show Coordinator and past Race/Product Mgr for AC) to join me. (Pictured on Right). As I was sitting there, the guy pictured on Left sat next to me and we started a conversation and the topic turned to Arctic Cat products. (I had no idea who he was) A handful of minutes later, Joey walked up and said, “Hey Kale! I see you met Kenny Halvorson!” This was a first for me, and to be honest, I was a bit star struck learning who I had been talking to. In my 20yr association with Arctic Cat, I had NEVER met Kenny, who is quite famous in the fiberglass hood world. Kenny has made, and is still making, some of Arctic Cat’s most iconic hood designs (Sno Pros etc). What a great first night!

That’s it for now. In the coming days Ill share the people, products and photos of Friday and Saturday’s show in a Part II and III. Enjoy! – Kale