WSSA Snowmobile Expo & Swap Meet

[mdmead]

Every year I go to Puyallup for the Washington State Snowmobile Association's Snowmobile Expo & Swap Meet. I put in 8 hours over two days working in our booth, and then spend the rest of the time taking pictures, many of which end up in our association's paper (for which I'm the editor). It's a busy time. But the show is pretty impressive and a lot of fun. This year we had over 8,000 people attend. This is down from our high of 10,000, but given the economy and poor snow last year, it was to be expected. Here are a bunch of pics I took and a narrative.

The Blue Lot is a happening place with an outdoor swap. It costs $30 to sell items here. Starting around 6am, sellers start showing up The buyers come in right behind. Two rows of vehicles coming in here. (While we don't charge a parking fee for attendees, we ask for a donation to our Legal Action Fund. Most are willing.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07388.jpg

Here they are backed around the corner onto Meridian.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07415.jpg

Lots of people walking around checking out the deals.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07395.jpg

A couple of 4x4s were for sale. Here's a nice looking mudder.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07392.jpg

And a crawler.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07394.jpg

I hate THIS guy. WSSA puts a lot of time, money and effort into this show. This is how we raise funds to support the organization whose sole purpose is to protect snowmobiling in WA. This guy parks outside the swap meet area trying to sell his machines without paying the $30 fee. Every year we have some of these people.
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07411.jpg

As 10am approaches, the crowd starts gathering near the Fairgrounds entrance.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07408.jpg

They come across the street in waves.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07406.jpg

A big crowd goes in right at 10am.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07408.jpg

Snowmobilers looking for bargains!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07418.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07419.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07420.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07422.jpg

Usually when you seem this many people standing around, you figure there must be a stripper or something. This was the BAM Film Productions booth and the were showing an extreme snowmobiling video.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07448.jpg

Some of the vendors have pretty involved displays. Klim spent hours setting theirs up.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07378.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07386.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07446.jpg

Lots of trailers on display.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07423.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07473.jpg

This is about the size I'd like to get.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07379.jpg

This is a new design. Pretty inovative.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07535.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07537.jpg

There are actually two parts to the Swap Meet. The Blue Lot outside the fairgrounds, and the Swap Meet on the inside. it costs a bit more than twice as much to be on the inside ($65), but you have a covered spot for two days and get wristbands for two people for both days. It's actually a better deal as it would cost $100 to do the same thing selling from the Blue Lot for two days and also entering the show. This is part of the indoor swap which is split between two buildings.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07435.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07437.jpg

Dealers come from all over the state and Oregon too. Here is Webb out of Ellensburg.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07438.jpg

Premeir from Yakima.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07510.jpg

This is the other swap building.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07442.jpg

Lots of interesting stuff in the swap meet. How about a pint-sized Tomahawk knockoff?

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07381.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07383.jpg

Our WSSA safety trailer and volunteers.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07424.jpg

This guy is wearing drunk goggles... and doing a decent job of walking the line!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07426.jpg

State Parks teaches a snowmobile safety course during the Expo.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07427.jpg

A groomer is on display so people can see what maintains the trails for them.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07430.jpg

This year the outdoor vendors did well because the weather was nice. This guy sells a lot of cheap tools. (I bought a compression tester and mini-file set from him.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07433.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07443.jpg

Lots of prizes awarded. Over $7500 worth of stuff was given away. This guy won a shop package.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07450.jpg

The guy in the middle won this storage lift. Some of you may recognize the guy on the right (Dan Johnson) as he is a Jeeper, dirt biker, (snowmobiler), and co-owner of Jet Chevrolet on the West side. He is also on the committee that puts on this event.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07452.jpg

The grand prize on Sunday was this new trailer.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07543.jpg

MotorFist auctioned off a couple of snowsuits to raise money for our Legal Action Fund. The guys on the outside each bid $450 and won their suits.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07451.jpg

A few UTVs were on display. This was the first time I got up close to the new Can Am. Nice!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07454.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07486.jpg

Some are pushing to make it legal for tracked ATVs/UTVs to use the snowmobile trails. Not sure what the outcome of this is going to be. Cool rides though!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07506.jpg

Hamilton Farm Equipment is the Polaris dealer in Okanogan. They were selling this new kid's 170 RZR for $2500. That is a steal! I paid that for my daughter's Can Am 90. I talked to the rep and he said the RZR retailed for about $4200 but he didn't want to haul it back.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07512.jpg

Vintage sleds are popular and we always have a good display.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07457.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07460.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07461.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07463.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07476.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07478.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07480.jpg

Lots of parts and accessories. Some new and different. This is a new idea for loading on ice. It hooks to the back of the trailer and you drive across it, giving traction to the track. (Think tire chains.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07465.jpg

New suspensions.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07468.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07469.jpg

Always a bunch of custom sleds on display.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07472.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07482.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07484.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07488.jpg
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07489.jpg

Turbo power baby!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07493.jpg

The four major manufacturers had new machines on display. This Yamaha Bravo is low tech, and basically the same as it was when it is new back in '85, but it is their best selling sled!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07492.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07498.jpg

This new Ski Doo has a 600cc 4-stroke which is reported to get 29 mpg. (I get about 10 with my old Ski Doo.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07500.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07504.jpg

Asphalt drag sleds are cool!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07495.jpg

Here is a new dirtbike conversion. There are a handful of companies making kits now.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07502.jpg

Campers are popular with sledders and Arctic Fox always has a display.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07507.jpg

We had BAM Film Productions taping throughout the show. They have a new show called Powersports Adventures that is going to air on the Outdoor Channel this winter and they are going to feature our show.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07517.jpg

This couple being filmed are co-chairs of our show. There would be no show without them.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07520.jpg

After you buy a bunch of expensive parts, you bring your 'significant other' to the Cookie Lee booth to make her happy!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07521.jpg

We provide booth space for other advocacy groups. Kay Lloyd on the left lives in Cle Elum and was just voted in as a BRC Board member. Joni Mogstad, from Oregon, was previously the BRC Treasurer, and will soon assume the President's position. (That's her husband Duane on the right.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07524.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07525.jpg

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07527.jpg

This year I sat in on the meeting with the manufacturer reps. This is a chance for them to comment on the show and give us feedback. They are a pretty satisfied bunch.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07530.jpg

Klim gave a $1000 club grant this year. It went to the Yakima Ski Benders to help keep the Ahtanum Sno-Park open this winter. (It cost about $22K last year.)

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07532.jpg

The Pink Ribbon Riders raise money for breast cancer patients by holding charity rides. They haven't had one in WA yet, but they are working on it.

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07538.jpg

Every kid wants a new snowmobile!

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07542.jpg

So there is an overview of last weekends show!

[Ceg]

Very nice report! Thank you for sharing with us. :thumbright:

[Fish]

There are some very cool sleds there. Thanks for sharing the pics!

[Jerry]

Great photos! Just looking at the pics of all those sleds, quads, haul vehicles and misc. machines is exciting, let along riding them. The antique sleds were great. Thanks for keeping us up to date and for responsibly representing both hobbies.

[colemancooler]

great write up :thumbright: .


I think the only thing that makes the side by sides illegal when they have tracks is that they do not have skid steer, even though the groomer does not, that is a requirement. Please correct me if I am wrong :scratch:

[mdmead]

great write up :thumbright: .


I think the only thing that makes the side by sides illegal when they have tracks is that they do not have skid steer, even though the groomer does not, that is a requirement. Please correct me if I am wrong :scratch:

On Saturday of the Expo, Tim Foss from the Forest Service had set up a group discussion on tracked ATVs on the snowmobile trails. Even though it was advertised in our Snoflyer paper and on our website, I was the only one who showed up! Anyway, Tim and I talked for about 20 minutes. Tim said that by Forest Service rules, his (Okanogan/Wenachee) Forest is the only one that outlaws tracked ATVs on the snowmobile trails. The other Forests in the State allows them. But this is contrary to State Parks rules, and State Parks manages the snowmobile program.

According to State Parks, tracked ATVs are illegal for two reasons. First and foremost is due to the state's legal definition of a a snowmobile. Basically the State defines them as a machine powered by a track and steered by skis. No skis = not a snowmobile. The second reason is because it is illegal to dual-register. The vehicles can't have an OHV tag and a snowmobile tag.

WSSA hasn't yet really weighed in on this issue. Several of us have thought it is probably good to welcome the tracked machines. My personal thought has always been that it means more money into our program and more voices when dealing with land-use issues.

While Tim and I were talking, Elaine Burr, a Yakima (Toppenish technically) local, and person intimate with our local grooming program, wandered through and we asked her. She said she now opposes them. She said there was some significant trail damaged caused by tracked vehicles last season and required a lot of extra work by the groomer to fix the trails. But she wasn't 100% sure the problem was tracked UTVs or ATVs or something bigger like a truck or SUV running Mattracks.

I've always felt that a tracked ATV would have a lbs per square inch on the ground close to that of a snowmobile. If that is the case, then I don't see where they would necessarily do any more trail damage if ridden responsibly. But I need to find out for sure I guess.

[colemancooler]

I was not aware that they were tagged differently, but that makes sense since the money for the Tabs would go different places

[4WheelingPlus.com]

Great pics and write up!

I haven't been on a sled in years and I miss it... well the riding part, not the cold part. :laughing6:

I do have a Rhino so maybe I should be looking for tracks and an enclosed cab with heater to put on it?

[mdmead]

I do have a Rhino so maybe I should be looking for tracks and an enclosed cab with heater to put on it?

I'd like to have a set of tracks for my ATV, but at $3500 and up for a set, the price of admission is pretty steep! (A heated cab would be pretty sweet though...)

[4WheelingPlus.com]

I do have a Rhino so maybe I should be looking for tracks and an enclosed cab with heater to put on it?

I'd like to have a set of tracks for my ATV, but at $3500 and up for a set, the price of admission is pretty steep! (A heated cab would be pretty sweet though...)
Yea... I'm thinking the heated cab portion of my dream is easier than the tracked part. :laughing6: :laughing9:

[4WheelingPlus.com]

http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/mdmeadmdmead/2010%20WSSA%20Expo/DSC07452.jpg
Sold a lift kit to Dan Johnson yesterday. He does it all from Jeeps to dirt bikes to sleds. :headbang:

[4WheelingPlus.com]

Did anyone see my buddy Josh's booth where he was selling his sled decks? He stopped by my shop today and dropped one off for me to sell. These things are SWEET!

I teased him about building me one to hold my Rhino. :laughing6:

http://store.4Wheelingplus.com/images/sled-decks-josh.jpg
http://store.4Wheelingplus.com/images/sled-decks-josh-02.jpg

Setting it up on a semi-chassis in front of my shop:
http://store.4Wheelingplus.com/images/sled-decks-josh-03.jpg

[Jeepscum]

I do have a Rhino so maybe I should be looking for tracks and an enclosed cab with heater to put on it?

I'd like to have a set of tracks for my ATV, but at $3500 and up for a set, the price of admission is pretty steep! (A heated cab would be pretty sweet though...)

Ive riden a Outlander 800 on 4 tracks at my father inlaws shop. They use it for snowmobile extraction in Hells Canyon for their rental sleds. They also have a John Deere 6 wheel gator on full tracks. I may need to hit this show next year if I havnt found the box trailer I want by then. :headbang:

[4WheelingPlus.com]

I do have a Rhino so maybe I should be looking for tracks and an enclosed cab with heater to put on it?

I'd like to have a set of tracks for my ATV, but at $3500 and up for a set, the price of admission is pretty steep! (A heated cab would be pretty sweet though...)

Ive riden a Outlander 800 on 4 tracks at my father inlaws shop. They use it for snowmobile extraction in Hells Canyon for their rental sleds. They also have a John Deere 6 wheel gator on full tracks. I may need to hit this show next year if I havnt found the box trailer I want by then. :headbang:
I am thinking about going to the snow show next year as well. Maybe we can "commute" together. :laughing6: