Overview
… where it’s not about the sleds, it’s about the people.
Download the official event poster in PDF format by clicking here (178 KB).
Join hundreds of Scorpion fans for the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce's third annual Scorpion Homecoming!
The Homecoming has become an annual ritual for Scorpion collectors and with a very popular feature sled, 2007 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 2007 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 A SUCCESS DESPITE BRUTAL COLD!
Crosby, Minn. – February 3, 2007
Bitter cold couldn’t prevent a large contingent of Scorpion fans from once again descending upon Crosby’s Memorial Park for the now annual Scorpion Homecoming, held as always in conjunction with the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce’s Ice Fishing Contest. Nearly two hundred Scorpion exhibitors brought over one hundred snowmobiles to brave the unusually harsh February conditions that descended upon Serpent Lake this year.
Conditions were truly brutal, with temperatures bottoming at -18 and wind chills as low as -45 yet Scorpion exhibitors were present from throughout the upper Midwest and as far away as Alaska and eastern Ontario. Several 1977 Bull Whips were on display along with an amazing 1960 propeller driven air-sled. From the support tent Shirley Hale reported brisk demand for Homecoming buttons and not surprisingly given the temperatures, Scorpion hooded sweatshirts were quickly sold-out.
The weather-abbreviated 3:00 PM awards presentation included the following:
Chamber’s Choice:
First Place: Don Peterson, Deerwood Minnesota – Scorpion Moped
Runner-Up: Wade McCoy, Alexandria Minnesota – 1977 Whip
Peer’s Choice:
First Place: Marion Ziegler, Fountain City Wisconsin – 1975 Super Stinger 440
Runner-Up: April Small, Durham Ontario – 1969 Mark I
People’s Choice:
First Place: Butch Holmvig, Aitkin Minnesota – 1971 Mark II
Runner-Up: April Small, Durham Ontario – 1969 Mark I
Special thanks goes out Bob Heath and Mark Filas of Range Car Wash (located just east of Crosby on Highway 210 & 6) for assisting with traffic control as well as Tim Leonard and Dwayne Jenson who both contributed a significant amount of personal time to ensure this event was a success, in spite of the weather. Princeton residents Tim Quast and family led a small contingent of Scorpion collectors for an abbreviated trail ride on Serpent Lake. Ralph LaPlant of North Woods Images made sure the event was properly recorded on film and Sentence to Serve provided valuable assistance with the heated on-ice support tent – a true lifesaver. The open house immediately following proved a popular stopping place for the majority of the participants, with hot food and old Scorpion stories available in abundance well into the evening.
By all accounts a reprise in 2008 appears likely. Check www.trailasled.com for periodic Homecoming updates.
An excellent photo album of the event can be found at Jim Solberg's site.
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.
02/02/2007 FINAL NOTICE - Sub-zero temperatures are forecast but ice conditions and parking are looking excellent. Dress warmly and enjoy the warming tent along with the food and beverage concessions. See Parking & Traffic flow below for updated information.
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
Several exciting changes are expected for 2007, including the addition of a feature sled category. This year's featured Scorpion is the legendary cross-country racing machine from 1977, the Bull Whip!
Media Coverage
Extensive media coverage is expected this year, including KKIN, the Crosby-Ironton Courier and others.
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.
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.