Snowmobile show, run set for Saturday in Emerado
Jan. 3—EMERADO, N.D. — The fourth-annual 'Rado Run Vintage Snowmobile Show and Run begins with registration at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Emerado Fire Hall, 204 Main St., Emerado, North Dakota.
There is a $10 entry fee per rider and sled. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Emerado Fire Department, including firefighters' equipment and gear.
Judging runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
The event name, 'Rado Run, is a play on the city name, Emerado, according to Jake Lanes, assistant chief of the Emerado Fire Department, which is the event host and sponsor.
Organizers are expecting from 100 to 120 riders to participate in the fun, family friendly event, Lanes said. Each year the event draws about 100 or more vintage and modern snowmobiles. The run begins and ends in Emerado.
"We offer many door prizes, raffles, awards, and free food and refreshments to our guests," he said.
A small breakfast option is available at the start of the event, with hot soups served at 11 a.m. At noon, the national anthem is played and medals are handed out to any children participating in the event, Lanes said.
"At 1 p.m., we hold the ceremonious 'start your engines,' and hold a shotgun start to the ride," he said.
On the way to Arvilla, North Dakota, there will be a midpoint stop for riders to enjoy hot cocoa and cider, and a bonfire. All riders return to Emerado about 4 or 5 p.m.
Dinner is provided to all beginning at 5 p.m., with award trophies given to the winners. Raffle prizes are drawn for, and the winner of the raffled vintage sled is chosen.
All ages are welcome at the Hitching Post in Arvilla and the Emerado Fire Hall. Those who are 21 and older are welcome at Johnny's Bar in Emerado.
This year, prizes will be given for year classes: 1969 and older, 1970-75, 1976-80, 1981-85, and 1986 and newer.
Winners will also be recognized for "Best Original," "Best Restored," "People's Choice," "Dead Sled" and more. The Dead Sled trophy goes to the rider whose snowmobile is the first to break down. Trophies are also given to the older and youngest rider.
"The entirety of Main Street in Emerado is used for the show," said Lanes, likening the event to a vintage car show. Social media has drawn interest from snowmobilers throughout the contiguous United States — even as far away as Maine — and from overseas, he said.
The Emerado Fire Department, which staffs about 25 members, is the only volunteer fire department in Grand Forks County not funded by taxes, Lanes said. It is funded by contracts or private donations, "so these fundraising events are huge."
For more information, call (701) 594-2498.
