Highlights from past Cuyuna Lakes Annual Ice Fishing Contest & Scorpion Homecoming

Scorpion Homecoming 2023 - Cuyuna Lakes Annual Ice Fishing Contest

February 4, 2023


2023 Feature Sled

Our 19th annual event will feature one of Scorpion's most popular models, the TK/TKX's of 1979-1981. A consummate Scorpion, the TK/TKX featured aggressive blaze-red styling, wide ski stance, exceptional handling and Crosby, Minnesota’s own Cuyuna engine. Truly the last of an era, the TK/TKX was the final production model both designed and manufactured in Crosby. For many, the TK/TKX best exemplifies the "Big Red" swagger exhibited by Scorpion's racing prowess during this exciting period. If you are a TK/TKX fan, you'll likely never see as many of these sleds together in one formation ... ever. So bring yours and be part of the action! In celebration of the “Big Red,” sport your best black and red attire!

Displayed here, a row of Scorpion TK and TKX from 1979-81. Got one? Bring it out and show it off!


Homecoming Overview

… where it’s not about the sleds, it’s about the people.

Join hundreds of Scorpion fans for the 19th annual Scorpion Homecoming & Ice Fishing Contest, brought to you by the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Sno-Serpent Snowmobile Club.

The 1979-81 TK and TKX are your 2023 Scorpion Homecoming feature sleds!

Scorpion Homecoming is a casual, free and fun meetup. Sled registration is completely complementary (stop-by our on-ice red support tent to register). No formal provisions are being made for swap or race activities. (No racing allowed.) Attendees are however encouraged to support the event by purchasing an ice fishing raffle ticket (excellent prizes awarded - need not be present to win), patronizing the concessionaires and purchasing a 2023 Homecoming button.

All Scorpions, as well as Scorpion-manufactured brands are welcome, including Trail-A-Sled, Sno-Ro, Sears, Sno-Craft, Brut and Massey-Ferguson.

Machines need not run to be displayed.

And don't forget to sport your Scorpion-themed apparel!


Homecoming AGENDA

Agenda

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ~ Set-up & Registration

  • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ~ Display

  • 1:00 - 1:30 PM ~ Judging

  • 3:00 PM ~ Awards Presentation

  • 3:15 PM ~ Group Ride

  • 3:30 PM ~ Open House


Homecoming results

Scorpion Homecoming Benefits from Great Weather

Just over 200 home-grown Scorpions were found on Serpent Lake this past Saturday for the 19th Annual Cuyuna Lakes Ice Fishing Contest and Scorpion Homecoming. In addition to those attending the ice fishing contest, large numbers of Scorpion fans rode-in on their favorite machines for the three-hour meet-up. Several swappers were also on hand, to buy and sell parts for the ever-collectable Scorpion brand. The Scorpion Traveler award went to gentleman who came all the way from Red Lodge, Montana, to attend the event. With pleasant temperatures and light winds, it was a perfect day to celebrate Cuyuna Lake’s snowmobile heritage. Shout-out to all Scorpion fans who came-out to show-off their machines and swap stories.

Special thanks to the many people and organizations who made this annual event possible, including the Sno-Serpents Snowmobile Club (Rob Geske, Mark Johnson, John Taylor, Duey Erlien) and the Antique Snowmobile Society (both of which went above and beyond, for the event). Also, a big-time shout-out to the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce (Aubrey Koop, Kelcie Quiel) for their enthusiastic support from day-one. Kudos to The Hudson for open house beverage services. And lastly, a big thumbs-up to Randy Domin and Tom Hallin for snowplowing services.

At the 3:00 PM ceremony, twenty awards were presented, in the following categories.

Honorary Awards

Sno-Serpent Award, Gary Herem, Red Lodge MT, 1970 Stinger

Chamber’s Choice, Kirk Anderson, Crosby MN, 1967 Bulldog

Scorpion Traveler, Gary Herem, Red Lodge MT, 1970 Stinger

Eileen Harrison Memorial Award, Jamie Sletten, Lakeville MN, 1973 Stingerette

Era Awards

Trail-A-Sled Original

Runner Up, Matt Mattich, Brainerd MN, 1971 Super Stinger

1st Place, Gary Herem, Red Lodge MT, 1970 Stinger

Trail-A-Sled Restored

Runner Up, Chip & Donna Nelson, Maple Grove MN, 1970 Mark II

1st Place, Tom Deer, Elko MN, 1970 340SS

Scorpion Original

Runner Up, Alex McCathem, Lakeville MN, 1973 Super Stinger

1st Place, Matt Mattich, Brainerd MN, 1977 Bull Whip

Scorpion Restored

Runner Up, Jamie Sletten, Lakeville MN, 1973 Super Stingerette

1st Place, Tom Besch, Kasson MN, 1980 Sting

Custom

Runner Up, Kirk Anderson, Crosby MN, 1967 J292

1st Place, Terry Nies, Aitkin MN, TRX

Feature Sleds (TK/TKX)

Honorable Mention, Andy Hall, Butterfield MN

Honorable Mention, Shawn Franzen, Crosby MN

Honorable Mention, Brent Herges, Milaca MN

3rd Place, Kevin Mikkelson, Corcoran MN

2nd Place, Matt Mattich, Brainerd MN

1st Place, Jake Steinhofer, Brooton MN


2023 homecoming Button

Support this event by purchasing your Scorpion Homecoming 2023 button. Buttons are only $5.00 and available day-of, on-ice only.


Liability Disclaimer

Scorpion Homecoming is an informal, no-charge meetup. Attend at your own risk.


ice fishing details

For details regarding the ice fishing contest, including information regarding prices and raffle tickets, please visit this link:

https://cuyunalakes.com/cuyuna-lakes-19th-annual-ice-fishing-contest-scorpion-homecoming/


Important Announcements

Homecoming Morning Update!

The Homecoming display area is set-up roughly 200 yards to the E/SE of the boat ramp at Crosby’s Memorial Park. Look for the Scorpion flags. The Ice Fishing Contest is adjacent to the south.

As always, we recommend you park along near-by streets and ride your sleds to the display area. There is also a large amount of plowed parking found within the boat ramp and campground areas (thank you City of Crosby).

On the ice, an access road to the display area has been plowed from the boat ramp and a limited amount of on-ice parking has also been cleared on the north side of the display area. This area may fill-up, depending upon turn-out. Outside of plowed areas, the snow-pack is deep and may be impassible for certain vehicles. All on-ice parking and access is at your own risk.

Weather Information

  • Forecast calls for quiet and seasonably warm conditions (30F). Enjoy!


Social Media Guidelines

Before, during and after the even please post actively with Instagram handles @scorpionsleds and @cuyuna_lakes along with hashtags #scorpionsnowmobiles #scorpionhomecoming #cuyunalakes and #cuyunalakescontest


LOCATION

Crosby, Minnesota is located on the eastern edge of the Brainerd Lakes Area (115 miles north of Minneapolis, 90 miles west of Duluth, 15 miles northwest of Brainerd). Crosby's Memorial Park on the northwestern shores of Serpent Lake (Highway 210).

 

Since it's inception, Scorpion Homecoming is brought to you in coordination with the great people at the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for your support!


Logistical support for Scorpion Homecoming is brought to you in part by the Sno-Serpents Snowmobile Club. Founded in 1973, the Sno-Serpents maintain over 80 miles of Minnesota's best snowmobile trails, right here in the Cuyuna Lakes. Consider supporting the club by becoming a member today!

State-of-the-art grooming, courtesy Sno-Serpents Snowmobile Club



Assorted Topics

Open House

Held at a world-class local collection, this gathering is an absolute must for Scorpion fans. Directions to the open house are available at our on-ice support tent. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided. Coffee courtesy The Hudson.

SUPPORT TENT

Upon your arrival, visit our red on-ice support tent for your complimentary registration sled sign and commemorative button(s) ($5).

Group RIDE

Completely on-ice, this optional low-speed ride will circumnavigate Serpent Lake for approximately 8 round-trip miles. Support vehicles may not be available, so plan accordingly. Assuming safe ice conditions, the ride will proceed with or without snow. Participants below the age of 18 are subject to Minnesota's helmet law. Please have your sleds in good running condition. Vintage snowmobiles (25 years old or greater) are exempt from state license requirements while participating in this event.

Judging

A more formalized judging process will continue for 2023. Scorpion Homecoming is independently judged by experts within the antique and vintage snowmobile hobby - the Antique Snowmobile Society (A.S.S.).

Trophies

An large number of trophies will be distributed at the 3:00 PM on-ice awards presentation.

Display Area

A dedicated display area will be set-up adjacent to the ice fishing area on Serpent Lake just offshore from Memorial Park. Although welcome, no formal provisions are being made for swappers (and no fees are accessed).

A dedicated area for feature sleds will be set-up near the display area entrance. Please place all features in the designated area.

The display area is reserved specifically for Trail-A-Sled, Scorpion and other brands directly manufactured by such. Other antique and vintage brands are welcome (but are asked to please set-up around the perimeter of the display area).

Local ride-in sleds are encouraged!

Lodging

For lodging and dining information, see the Chamber's web site. Extensive alternative lodging is also available in the Brainerd Lakes area, generally 16 miles southwest of Crosby-Ironton on Highway 210.

Photography Disclaimer

Scorpion Homecoming is an open and active meetup. Your presence at the Homecoming implies consent to permit Scorpion Online to photograph, record, film or videotape your likeness and to publish it on our web site and other publications for artistic and non-commercial promotional purposes. By your presence, you agree to release Scorpion Online from any liability resulting from publication of your likeness. Requests to remove a particular picture bearing your likeness will be honored on a best efforts basis.