It’s expo time

Ride On! columnist and SnoRiders staff writer Kirsten Armleder is heading to the World Snowmobile Expo in West Yellowstone

by Kirsten Armleder

Willie Elam backwards on a sled.
Willie Elam will be one of the freestyle riders performing during the music concerts. Monte Smith photo

My head’s still spinning from the World Snowmobile Invasion in Whitecourt, Alberta, and already we are preparing for a new media adventure.

In two days, yours truly will be heading down to West Yellowstone, Montana, for the World Snowmobile Expo and Power Sports Show. This is where all four of the major sled manufacturers will unveil their new 2016 lineups to the public and not only will we get to see the new sleds in person, but we will be able to ride them as well. Free demo rides will be offered to all attendees on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Reps from the factory will also be there to answer any questions.

This will be the expo’s 25th anniversary. It started in 1960 as a gathering for racers and snowmobile manufacturers. Over the years, it has evolved into an event that brings about 5,000 people to West Yellowstone. But this year’s expo promises to be even bigger and better than ever with the return of two outdoor concerts.

Dubbed the Wild Bill Octane Nights, these concerts will take place on Friday and Saturday evening. Who’s playing? First it’s the Teka Brock Band, Confederate Railroad and Blackhawk. Then, on Saturday, it’s ’80s hard rock bands Jackyl and Warrant, as well as The Outlaws. Both shows will also feature freestyle snowmobile demonstrations by Sam Rogers, Willie Elam and Reagan Sieg—the same guy who broke a world record on a Timbersled snowbike last month in Whitecourt. He’s Canadian by the way, from Vernon, B.C.

The expo runs from March 13 to 15. Hotels are booking fast so be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible. 

For live updates during the expo, you can follow SnoRiders on Twitter and Facebook

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