Overview

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

Download the official event poster in PDF format by clicking here (544 KB).

Join hundreds of Scorpion fans for the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce's sixth annual Scorpion Homecoming!

The Homecoming has become an annual ritual for Scorpion collectors and with a very popular feature sled, 2010 promises to be bigger and better than ever. Make plans to attend now.

The agenda and tone of the event is expected to be similar to prior years. For a recap of prior events, browse the Scorpion Homecoming launch page.

Scorpion Homecoming is a casual, free and fun event. Sled registration is completely complementary. No formal provisions are being made for swap or race activities. Attendees are however encouraged to support the Chamber by purchasing a raffle ticket (excellent prizes awarded - need not be present to win), patronizing the concessionaires and purchasing the official 2010 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. For safety reasons, propeller-driven air-sleds will NOT be operated during the event.

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

Need more information? Use our Contact form.

Homecoming Results

Scorpion Homecoming 2010 Enjoys Second Largest Attendance Ever!

Milder temperatures and partial sunshine were enjoyed by Scorpion exhibitors and ice fishing contestants alike. Nearly besting the event’s largest showing ever, 268 Scorpions were on display for the afternoon’s festivities. Most participants donned clothing from the era, with many proudly displaying Scorpion-themed gloves, boots, helmets and other memorabilia.

Harkening to the firm’s slogan from 1969, “Scorpion – Above All”, the original “Trail-A-Sail” team once again displayed their para-a-sail stunt routine high above Serpent Lake’s west-end.

In support of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber, a strong volume of commemorative buttons, beanies, mugs and other memorabilia were purchased. The on-ice festivities were followed by an indoor open house where complementary food, old Scorpion videos, and fascinating memorabilia were enjoyed by all.

Scorpion SnoPro legend David Karpik was among several dignitaries to attend Scorpion Homecoming 2010. David is now a member of the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and co-founder of Fast, Inc. (BLADE Snowmobiles). Sandra Schutz, former Winnipeg endurance racer (Scorpion Whip) was also in attendance.

A number of awards were presented at the 3:00 PM on-ice ceremony, including the following:

Scorpion Spokesperson: Austin Kutz – Green Lake, WI

Chamber’s Choice: Pat Garafola – S St Paul, MN – Super Stingerette 400 1973

Scorpion Traveler: Tim, Austin & Matthew Smith – Wesphalia, MI

Scorpion (modified)
Runner up: Mark Lindberg – Ironton, MN – Super Stinger 1971
First place: Gordon Nachbar – Nisswa, MN – Super 800 1971

Trail-A-Sled (original)
Runner up: Robert Alfheim – Tigerton, WI – Stinger II 1971
First place: Mark Schraut – Royalton, MN – Widetrack 1967

Trail-A-Sled (restored)
Runner up: Dave Paulsen – Isle, MN – Mark III 1970
First place: Iron Hub Bog Busters – Iron Hub, MN – Orange 1965

Scorpion (original)
Runner up: Scorpion Sales & Service – Star Prairie, MN – Super Stinger 1973
First Place: Chris Moore – Ham Lake, MN – 440 TK 1980

Scorpion (restored)
Runner up: Ray Arnold – Moose Lake, MN – Cyclone 1976
First place: Bob Reini – Britt, MN – Bull Whip 1977

Feature Sled (1969)
Runner up: Travis Paulsen – Isle, MN – Mark III
Runner up: Larry Paron – Columbia Heights, MN – Mark II
First place: Roger Chuba – Upsala, MN – Mark III

Hearty thanks to all the volunteers who made Scorpion Homecoming 2010 a unanimous success, including: Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Range Car Wash; Holmvig Excavating; Iron Hub Bog Busters; Antique Snowmobile Society (expert judging); WJJY (Ken Thomas); KKIN (Tom Martin); and the Crosby-Ironton Courier. Particular thanks to local volunteers Tim Leonard and Cliff Kittelson.

Homecoming 2011 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 5 and is set to feature the Super Stinger from 1974-1975.

Final Pre-Event Announcements

In the final days preceding the event, late-breaking announcements will be posted to this area. If you plan on attending, please check this section accordingly.

Radio Promotion : Providing live interviews with event organizers, Scorpion Homecoming 2010 will be featured in local radio broadcasts this coming week, including Brainerd’s WJJY “Community Focus” show at 12:15 PM (Tuesday, February 3rd), and Aitkin’s KKIN Tom Martin show at 8:30 AM (Wednesday, February 4th).
Parking/Ice : Ample on-ice parking will be available. Although ice depth is significant, on-ice parking is always at your own risk. Adjacent street-side parking is also an option. See traffic volunteers at the boat ramp for details. On-ice driving conditions are good (some crusted snow). 4x4 rigs should have little if any problems.
Location : If you are unsure of the location, check-out the map link near the bottom of this page. Enter Memorial Park through the entrance along Hwy 210, then proceed to the boat ramp where volunteers will assist you.
Scorpion Spokesperson : Recite Scorpion’s 1969, 50-second “Above All” TV spot and win a free prize! Sign-up in the on-ice warming tent before 2:30 PM. Maximum of ten participants, so sign-up early. Show us your spokesperson skills during the 3:00 PM awards presentation. Winners must correctly recite the full narrative of the firm’s 1969, “Above All” television commercial (50-second version) as featured on the Homecoming 2010 webpage (107 words). Earn extra kudos for style and enthusiasm!
Merchandise : 2010 features a wider range of commemorative merchandise. Quantities are limited. No rain checks. All Sales Final. All profits benefit the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Cash only please. Pen: $1, Homecoming Button: $3
(prior year buttons: $1); ceramic mug: $5; beanie: $10; ball cap: $15; thermal mug: $15; flags: small (1’ x 1.5’): $20, large (2’ x 3’): $90.
Awards : A generous offering of trophies will be distributed at the 3:00 PM on-ice awards presentation, including the following categories at minimum: Feature Sled (model year 1969); Trail-A-Sled Era, original and restored (model years 1959-1971, excluding feature sled); Scorpion Era, original & restored (model years 1972-1981); Scorpion Modified; Scorpion Traveler; and Chamber’s Choice.
Event Flyer : An official event poster is now available in the table below (PDF format). Print it out and promote the Homecoming!
Homecoming Button : This year's official button design has been posted to the table below. Support the event by purchasing this on-ice memento. After six years, still only $3.00!
Apparel : In the spirit of 1969, please sport your black and red Scorpion apparel whenever possible. As a second option, themed apparel from any Scorpion era is appreciated!

Agenda

  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Set-up & Registration
  • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Display
  • 1:30 - 2:00 PM Judging
  • 3:00 PM Awards Presentation
  • 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Trail Ride
  • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM Open House

Feature Sled

The entire 1969 line-up will be featured for 2010. Solidifying the timeless design that would define the firm for year's to come, the 1969 featured Scorpion's award-winning tear-drop hood presentation and the now-legendary red-on-black rally stripe. Considered by some to be the firm's finest hour, the 1969 was the first to be fully manufactured in the company's new state-of-the-art facilities and the last to be wholly designed and built by the firm's original management team. From the nimble 15" Mark I economy model to the mountain-taming 23" Mark IV wide-track, all 1969s will be set-aside for special recognition this year. Let's paint Serpent Lake in a sea of black and red that hasn't been seen in over forty years!

Leveraging Scorpion's dramatic "Trail-A-Sail" stunt-team presentations, the firm's marketing slogan, "Scorpion - Above All" will also be commemorated.

Media Coverage

Extensive media coverage is expected this year, including KKIN, the Crosby-Ironton Courier and others..

Judging

A more formalized judging process will continue for 2010. Scorpion Homecoming is independently judged by experts within the antique and vintage snowmobile hobby - the Antique Snowmobile Society (A.S.S.).

Trophies

A generous offering of trophies will be distributed at the 3:00 PM on-ice awards presentation, including the following categories at minimum:

  • Feature Sled
  • Trail-A-Sled Era, original and restored (model years 1959-1971)
  • Scorpion Era, original & restored (model years 1972-1981)
  • Scorpion Custom
  • Scorpion Traveler
  • Chamber’s Choice

Support Tent

Upon your arrival, visit the Homecoming on-ice support tent for your sled sign, commemorative button, and other Scorpion merchandise. For your comfort, the support tent also doubles as a warming facility.

Profits benefit the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Please support the event by purchasing these wonderful items! Cash only please.

Merchandise

 Homecoming button - support the event by purchasing this on-ice memento - still only $3.00! Pen: $1, Homecoming Button: $3 (prior year buttons: $1); ceramic mug: $5; beanie: $10; ball cap: $15; thermal mug: $15; flags: small (1’ x 1.5’): $20, large (2’ x 3’): $90.

 Parking and Traffic Flow

As always, on-ice driving and parking is at your own risk (ample nearby street parking is available). For your convenience, Memorial Park does have an excellent low-angle ramp to the ice surface. See the pre-event announcements section of this page for last minute information.

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). If you are unsure of the location, check-out the map on the Homecoming launch page. Enter Memorial Park through the west-side entrance along Hwy 210, then proceed to the boat ramp where volunteers will assist you.

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). All swappers in attendance are asked to set-up around the perimeter of the display area and not within the snowmobile display lines.

A dedicated area for feature sleds will be set-up near the display area entrance. Please place all feature sleds (regardless of condition) in this 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!

Trail 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.

Open House

Held at a world-class local collection, this event is an absolute must for Scorpion fans. Rare vintage video will be on display. Directions to the open house are available at the on-ice Homecoming booth. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided.

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 event. 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.