Overview
… where it’s not about the sleds, it’s about the people.
Download the official event poster in PDF format by clicking here (182 KB).
Join hundreds of Scorpion fans for the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce's fifth annual Scorpion Homecoming!
The Homecoming has become an annual ritual for Scorpion collectors and with a very popular feature sled, 2009 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 2009 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 2009 benefits from warmer weather, large crowds and a very popular feature sled!
Crosby, Minnesota - February 7, 2009
Despite the current economic conditions, event organizers believe Scorpion Homecoming 2009 drew the largest attendance ever - estimated to be over 500 people with nearly 250 Scorpions of all shapes, colors and sizes. This year's feature sled was particularly popular, with 30 gleaming blue-metallic 1975 Whips lining the front row. In addition to a large local turn-out, Scorpion Homecoming 2009 brought exhibitors from as far away as Michigan, Florida, Colorado, California and Alaska.
Several former Scorpion racers, dealers and employees were in attendance. To the delight of the participants, the legendary Trail-A-Sail (a para-sail on ice) made it's first appearance on Serpent Lake in nearly 40 years!
The Chuck Connors look-alike contest proved to be popular, with a number of gentlemen sporting Chuck's trademark cowboy hat, lambs wool jacket and jeans. During the awards ceremony, Andy Luikens (grand prize winner) even treated the crowd to a rousing version of Chuck Conner’s famous 30-second television commercial from 1975.
The 50-year anniversary of Trail-A-Sled, Inc., the homegrown company that birthed the Scorpion snowmobile, was also celebrated. Richard Harrison (one of the firm's original members) was present for the afternoon. Sales of 50-year anniversary ball caps were brisk (all profits benefiting the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce).
Award Winners:
Chamber's Choice: Crosby Fire Department - 1980 Scorpion TK
Scorpion Traveler: Gale Armstrong, Eagle River Alaska
Scorpion Modified, Runner-Up: Chris Moore, Ham Lake MN - 1971 Super Stinger
Scorpion Modified, 1st Place: Roger Chuba, Upsala MN - 1969 Mark III
Trail-A-Sled Era, Original, Runner-Up: Kate & Kim Ferrari, Two Harbors MN - 1970 Mark I
Trail-A-Sled Era, Original, 1st Place: Don Nelson, Waskish MN - 1969 Mark I
Trail-A-Sled Era, Restored, Runner-Up: Dave Gruba, McGrath MN - 1967 Drone
Trail-A-Sled Era, Restored, 1st Place: Dave Bellefeville, Moorhead MN - 1969 Mark II
Scorpion Era, Original, Runner-Up: Paul Husmann, Coldspring MN - 1977 Sting
Scorpion Era, Original, 1st Place: Dave Emme, Glencoe MN - 1976 Massey Whirlwind
Scorpion Era, Restored, Runner-Up: Wade McCoy, Alexandria MN - 1977 Whip
Scorpion Era, Restored, 1st Place: Mark Chuba, St. Michael MN - 1977 Bullwhip
Feature Sled (1975 Whip), Runner-Up: Shellee Thorp, St. Frances MN - 1975 Whip
Feature Sled (1975 Whip), 1st Place: Alex Rasset, Buffalo MN - 1975 Whip
Chuck Connors Look-Alike Contest:
Grand Prize:
Andy Luikens
Honorable Mention:
Kevin Lehse
Greg Flaskerud
Mike Rasset
Paul Pernula
Special thanks goes out this year to Holmvig Excavating (great on-ice site prep), the Iron Hub Bog Busters (trail ride), the Antique Snowmobile Society (expert judging), Range Car Wash (traffic flow), Tom Martin (KKIN Radio), and the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce. The intense efforts of several local volunteers, particularly Tim Leonard, Dwayne Jenson and Cliff Kittelson also helped to insure the event's success.
The on-ice festivities were followed by an indoor open house where complementary food, old Scorpion videos, and fascinating memorabilia were enjoyed by all.
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.
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 available. See our traffic patrol at the boat ramp for details. On-ice driving conditions are fair (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.
Continue the Homecoming: Want to see this event continue? Support the Chamber by buying product from the on-ice support tent. We want to sell-out all our hats, beanies, flags and buttons. All profits benefit the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce.
Apparel: Dress either in Scorpion garb (from any era), or wear your Chuck Connors "look alike" western wear (see the Homecoming page for details). Connors look alikes receive a complementary memento (see support tent - quantities limited).
Judging: Details are finalized. See #3 below.
Chuck Connors: An informal "Look Like Chuck" contest is now in place. See item #4 below for details. Look like Chuck and take home a complementary memento!
Trail Ride: Once again, this year's trail ride will be led by a large contingent from the Iron Hub Bog Busters snowmobile club.
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
Highlights of the 2009 event include:
1.) A celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Trail-A-Sled, Inc.. Established in 1959, this is the Crosby-based firm that eventually became Scorpion snowmobiles. Commemorative items will be available for purchase at the event.
2.) The 1975 Whip will be the feature sled for 2009. A significant departure from previous designs, this innovative machine sported an all-aluminum tunnel, wide ski stance, para-rail suspension and forward-mounted Cuyuna engine.
3.) A more formalized judging process will be introduced for 2009. Independently judged by the Antique Snowmobile Society, trophies in the following categories will be awarded at 3:00 PM (details subject to change):
Feature Sled ~ 1975 Whip (1st & Runner-up)
Scorpion Modified ~ Custom paint, hoods, etc. Scorpion chassis required (1st & Runner-up)
Trail-A-Sled Era (model Years 1959-1971) ~ Original and restored, 1st & Runner-up
Scorpion Era (model years 1972-1981 excluding the Feature Sled) ~ Original and restored, 1st & Runner-up
Chamber's Choice ~ Picked by the Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce (single award)
Scorpion Traveler ~ Furthest traveler with a snowmobile on exhibit (single award)
Connor's Award ~ Who most, "Looks Like Chuck?" (single award - must be present at the 3:00 PM award ceremony)
4.) The contributions of Hollywood actor and former Scorpion spokesperson Chuck Connors will also be noted. Chuck's promotional efforts were key to the success of the Whip. For Homecoming 2009, all attendees are encouraged to participate in an informal "Look Like Chuck" contest by sporting the western-themed apparel popularized by Chuck during his time with Scorpion. Use the photo insert found to the right as your guide (courtesy Richard Wentworth). We are looking for: cowboy hat; dark flannel shirt; blue jeans; cowboy boots; and most important (and most difficult) the now-famous blue lambs wool jacket! A complementary memento will be provided to anyone who shows-up with, at minimum, a cowboy hat, jeans, and western-themed jacket (stop-by the on-ice support tent). To further assist you to "look like Chuck," a short video featuring his now-famous cowboy hat and lambs wool jacket may be found at the top of this page (along with video clips from his fabulous television series, The Rifleman).
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 2009. 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.