Chantal and Charley Finlay stop off to get some refreshments during the Radar Run at Hunters Cove. (BJ Bangs photo) RANGELEY — The trails were great. People seemed happy with the snowmobiling, and everyone seemed to be having a good time at this weekend’s Snodeo.

Aimee Danforth, co-chair of Rangeley’s Snodeo said everyone seemed very happy with the trails. “It’s snowing. I couldn’t be happier. Mother Nature is giving us some snow.”

The annual event drew hundreds of snowmobilers to the Rangeley area to participate in the Radar Run, Poker Run, or just enjoy the camaraderie of other sledders and take in the RaveX snowcross competition.

Light snow, reduced visibility, and some chilly temperatures didn’t dampen the spirits of the sledders, who stopped into Moose Alley to get some warm coffee or a bit to eat. Once they opened at noon, the place was bustling with activity.

Sledders were having fun on the trails as well as enjoying the festivities at last weekend’s Snodeo in Rangeley. (BJ Bangs photo) Pat Danforth, secretary of the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Association said 225 people registered for the poker run, which depending on what course they took went out to Oquossoc, Rev-It-Up or Niboban Camps. Participants stopped at local businesses to pick up their poker card.

The Radar Run at Hunter’s Cove attracted hundreds of participants lined up on their sleds, some taking a break to take a spin on Rangeley Lake, which one sledder said was very, very cold.

Charlee King, 9, whose family has a second home in Rangeley, was proudly showing her stuff in the Radar Run. Her mom was beaming ear to ear at her daughter, who had started sledding when she was three. She’ll be ready for a larger snowmachine next year, she said. Charlee earned fourth place finish in her competition last year.

Gary Auger and Gary Wood of Kengington, N.H., check out an “antique” snowmobile under one of the canopies next to Boss Equipment at last weekend’s Snodeo. (BJ Bangs photo) Inside in Moose Alley, members of the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club were selling 50/50 tickets, a snowmobile raffle, and a host of memorabilia. For many, it was a chance to chat and connect with club comrades.

Inside activities attracted the kids. The Wilhelm Reich Museum hosted inside activities for kids with sliding, balloon helicopters and more. At the Gingerbread House in Oquossoc, youths had a chance to participate in the making of a gingerbread man. And of course there were the 120 rides at the Oquossoc Marina.

The Rave X show at Boss Power Equipment attracted hundreds of spectators left in awe by witnessing Kourtney Hungerford flip, not something one sees at every stunt show. Seth Bell, did his kiss of death, Alex Bishop did a superman seat grab, Travis Philpot, a double can, and Ralph Gallagher, a heel clicker. Seeing a snowmobile flying 35 feet in the air was not uncommon during that performance.

Kourtney Hungerford who performed a flip at the Rave X performance does a victory lap. (BJ Bangs photo) People braved the elements to see the snowmobile parade through the downtown, giving homage to a sport that is so important to the town’s economy. The fireworks, a favorite for many capped off the festivities.

Friday, the Chili Chowder Challenge, sponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce attracted 13 restaurants, offering up 12 chili choices and nine chowders in two ounce samples.

Winners were: mild, Lakeside Convenience; two-alarm (med), Oquossoc Grocery; and three-alarm (hot); Red Onion.

Sandi Dumont, secretary of the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile club, sells 50/50 tickets and chances to win a snowmobile at last weekend’s Snodeo. (BJ Bangs photo) Best over All, chosen by the public were: Chili, Farmhouse Inn; and Chowder, Gingerbread House.

Winner of the $75 Chamber bucks is Kevin Dunne. The 50 /50 collected $326, Beth Eastlack won the drawing; her share would’ve been $163 which she donated back to the chamber.

The BMC crew was host; the venue had easy access by snowmobile trail. Plans were discussed to make next year’s event even better.

Results of the Radar Run competitions will be published in an upcoming issue of the Irregular.