2013 Feature Sleds: Wedge designs of 1971 and 1972.

Scorpion Homecoming 2013

February 2, 2013

Overview

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

Download the official event poster in PDF format by clicking here (662 KB).

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

The Homecoming has become an annual ritual for Scorpion collectors and with a very popular feature sled, 2013 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 2013 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's Strong Despite Cold

Scorpion Homecoming 2013 offered a largest-ever feature sled (the wedge designs of 1971-1972) with 28 of these bold red and black machines gracing the event’s feature aisle. All told, approximately 160 Scorpions of all sizes, stripes and colors were on display, having traveled from both the Cuyuna Range and parts as far away as Michigan, Saskatchewan and South Korea.

Despite an overnight low of -10, glorious sunshine, light winds and a daytime high of +8 degrees was enjoyed by all! Given the good 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 for another terrific event! Lakeland Television was also present, with both a news crew and a legacy crew from their Common Ground program.

It was also announced that the 2014 Scorpion Homecoming, the event's tenth annual, will likely feature the tear-drop designs of 1968-1971.

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.) for
volunteering your time and ability!

Chamber’s Choice

Kevin Adam, Annandale, MN (1973 Stingerette)

Scorpion Traveler

Hong-ran Kim (Ranee), Hyeon-kyeong Lee (Sandy), Han-gyeol Kim (Spring), student aids from South Korea (6,234). Special mention to Tim Smith of Westphalia, MI (881 miles) and Les and Laurie Pratt, Regina, Saskatchewan (907 miles).

Scorpion Custom

Runner-Up: Chris Moore, Ham Lake, MN (1972 Stingeroo)
1st Place: Robb Clear, Holdingford, MN (1971 Stinger III)

Trail-A-Sled Original

Runner-Up: Mark Schraut, Royalton, MN (1967 Wide-Track)
1st Place: Nies Ranch, Aitkin, MN (1971 Mark II)

Trail-A-Sled Restored

Runner-Up: Dave Gruba, McGregor, MN (1967 Drone)
1st Place: Terry Splettstoeser, Delano, MN (1967 Sears Sno Cruiser)

Scorpion Era Original

Runner-Up: Dave Emme, Glenco, MN (1977 Sting)
1st Place: Kevin Ahlm, Annandale, MN (1973 Stingerette)

Scorpion Era Restored

Runner-Up: Dave Holicky, New Prague, MN (1977 Bull Whip)
1st Place: Tim Rynda, Montgomery, MN (1977 Lil Whip)

Feature Sled

Runner-Up: Chuba Bros, Maple Plain, MN (1971 Super Stinger)
Runner-Up: Mark Lindberg, Crosby, MN (1971 Super Stinger)
1st Place: Scott Tolve, Elk River, MN (1971 Stinger II)

Announcements

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 Conditions - Over-all ice conditions are good, and participants should be able to easily drive onto the ice at the boat ramp and through the drop-off zone with their Scorpions. As always, on-ice parking is at your own risk. Curb-side parking is available along adjoining city streets.


Details

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 2013 event will feature one of Scorpion's most radical redesigns, the wedge-shaped line-up for 1971 and 1972, including Stingers I, II, and III, the Stingeroo, and the fabulous Super Stinger!

Media Coverage

Extensive media coverage is expected this year, including an in-depth visit from Lakeland Television for their Common Ground program. Be prepared for on-camera interviews and have that Scorpion looking pretty. KKIN, the Crosby-Ironton Courier and others will also be present.

Judging

A more formalized judging process will continue for 2013. 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 (71' & 72' wedges)
  • 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
  • Royalty Award

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. After nine years, 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, key tag: $1, 2013 Homecoming Button: $3 (prior year buttons: $1), ceramic mug: $5, beanie: $10, ball cap: $15, key light: $3, 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 1971 and 1972 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.