Overview

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

Download the official event poster in PDF format by clicking here (715 KB).

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

The Homecoming has become an annual ritual for Scorpion collectors and with a very popular feature sled, 2012 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 2012 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 Basks in Sunshine and TKs!

Scorpion Homecoming 2012 offered a largest-ever feature sled (the TK/TKX of 1979-1981) with 28 of these bold red and black machines gracing the event’s feature aisle. All told, approximately 180 Scorpions of all sizes, stripes and colors were on display, along with a large number of spectators, both from the Cuyuna Range and throughout the Midwest. A large contingent of former dealers and Scorpion racers were also present (including Sandra Shultz, Les Pinz and Dave Karpik) along with many newcomers to the Homecoming.

Glorious sunshine, light winds and a daytime high of 40 degrees were enjoyed by all! Given the large turn-out at the adjacent Ice Fishing Contest, several hundred participants enjoyed this wonderful display of home-grown Scorpions. Kudos to the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce to another terrific event!

At the 3:00 PM on-ice ceremony, awards were presented as follows (Scorpion Era encompasses model year’s 1971-1981). Many thanks to our expert judges from the Antique Snowmobile Society (A.S.S.), Todd Hicke, Gordon Nachbar, Joe Nelson, Steve Pierce and Tim Quast for volunteering your time and ability!

Chamber’s Choice
Chuba Brothers – 1970 Stinger

Scorpion Traveler
Robert & Carol Alexander, Chochin, Saskatchewan (950 miles). Special mention to the Smith’s of Westphalia, MI (817 miles) and the Mandel’s of Claremore, OK (802 miles).

Scorpion Custom
Runner-Up: Robb Clear, Holdingford, MN (1971 Stinger II Long-Track)
1st Place: Chris Moore, Ham Lake, MN (1971 Super Stinger)

Trail-A-Sled Original
Runner-Up: Patrick Bavier, Pine City, MN (1966 Trail-A-Sled)
1st Place: Heath & Heidi Mandel, Janesville, WI (1969 Mark II)

Trail-A-Sled Restored
Runner-Up: Paul Pernula, Brainerd, MN (1966 Trail-A-Sled)
1st Place: Don Peterson, Deerwood, MN (1969 Mark II)

Scorpion Era Original
Runner-Up: Kevin Woeste, St Cloud, MN (1979 Sting)
1st Place: Bridgeway Recording, Brainerd, MN (1975 Whip 400)

Scorpion Era Restored
Runner-Up: Alex Rasset, Buffalo, MN (1975 Whip 400)
1st Place: Kevin Ahlm, Annandale, MN (1974 Super Stinger 400)

Feature Sled
Runner-Up: Erin Peterson, Star Prairie, WI (1980 TKX)
Runner-Up: Jim Woeste, Sauk Center, MN (1980 TK)
1st Place: Chad Meyer, Dorchester, IA (1979 TKX 440)

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.

Media Coverage : Ample media coverage is expected this year, including KKIN, WJJY, and the Crosby-Ironton Courier. Shine-up those machines, and say "cheese!"
Parking/Ice : Feb 4, 2012 Final Update - Over-all ice conditions are good, and participants will be able to easily drive onto the ice at the boat ramp and through the drop-off zone with their Scorpions. However, depending upon event-day conditions (i.e., unusual warmth), participants may be asked, after unloading, to park their rigs near the shoreline, or on the shore itself or along near-by streets.
Location : If you are unsure of the location, check-out the map link above. Enter Memorial Park through the west-side entrance along Hwy 210, then proceed to the boat ramp where volunteers will assist you.
Merchandise : 2012 continues with 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, Keychain: $1, 2012 Homecoming Button: $3 (prior year buttons: $1); ceramic mug: $5; beanie: $10; ball cap: $15; tumbler: $10; 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 (TK-TKX model years 1979-81); Trail-A-Sled Era, original and restored (model years 1959-1971); Scorpion Era, original & restored (model years 1972-1981); Scorpion Custom; Scorpion Traveler; and Chamber’s Choice. Expertly and independently judged by the following vintage snowmobile experts: Steven Pierce, Kevin Lehse, and Timothy Quast.
Event Flyer : An official event poster (PDF format) is available.
Homecoming Button : Support the event by purchasing this on-ice memento. After eight years, still only $3.00!
Apparel : In the spirit of the "Big Red" machine, please sport your Scorpion-themed red and black apparel.

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 2012 event will feature one of Scorpion's most popular models, the TKs of 1979-1981. A consummate Scorpion, the TK 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 was the final production model both designed and manufactured in Crosby. For many, the TK best exemplifies the "Big Red" swagger exhibited by Scorpion's racing prowess during this exciting period. If you are a TK 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!

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 2012. 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!

Once again a wide range of commemorative merchandise will be offered. Quantities are limited. No rain checks. All Sales Final. Profits benefit the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Cash only please. Pen: $1, Keychain: $1, 2012 Homecoming Button: $3 (prior year buttons: $1); ceramic mug: $5; beanie: $10; ball cap: $15; tumbler: $10; 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 wedge designs from these years (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.