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THE HEART, HISTORY, THE HEART, HISTORY, Presented by AND SOUL OF HAY DAYS AND SOUL OF HAY DAYS

Hay Days from above in 2010 when the event was still held adjacent to Waldoch Sports in Columbus Township.

Celebrating 55 Years, the Sno Barons Passion for Powersports Still Burns Strong

Back in 1966, there weren’t a lot of snowmobile clubs and the sport looked very different than it does today. With the popularity of these unusual over-the-snow vehicles exploding, there were manufacturers of every shape and size looking to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity. Simultaneously, clubs began to form as well, including the Sno Barons. As with everything, only the strong would eventually survive this initial boom, of the more than 100 manufacturers that dotted the snow belt, only four remain today. The same could be said of the snowmobile clubs. Many have come and gone over the past half century, and the Sno Barons not only survived, but thrived. To be successful, be it a business, an organization, or a club you need a common goal…a purpose. For the Sno Barons that purpose is unquestionably Hay Days. Stemming from an idea that took root on a steamy summer night in 1966 over drinks at the Crooked Lake Tavern, the Sno Barons club was formed, and from it Hay Days. The list of suggested names for the newly formed club was endless. The first approved name was the Crooked Lake Sno Barons. The name later was changed to Anoka Sno Barons, then the Anoka County Sno Barons, and eventually to simply the Sno Barons. The roots of the club are still primarily in Anoka County, but today’s members are from all over the metro area, and even beyond. The first race took place in November 1967 on the site of what’s now the Majestic Oaks Golf Club, in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Early events – then known as the “Hay Day” race – took place in a single afternoon in October or November and drew racers from the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Because snow is far from certain during those months, organizers built the race surface out of alfalfa hay, hence the name “Hay Day.” As word spread about an interesting snowmobile race held on a bed of hay, its popularity grew. Events were held on a shoestring budget and the Sno Barons coordinated everything – from building the track to signing up racers to managing concessions. Long-time members recall spending endless hours preparing hundreds of pounds of sloppy joes, brats, polish sausages and hot dogs to feed hungry spectators, racers, and club members throughout the day. The event led a nomadic existence, with development forcing it to move several times until the club in 2010 purchased its

own land in Sunrise Township in Chisago County, about seven miles east of North Branch, which is now the permanent home for Hay Days. Hay Days really kicked into high gear in 1976 when the Southern Wisconsin Drag Racing Association (SWDRA) added the event to its racing circuit. Soon, racers from across the snowbelt and eventually around the world were flocking to Hay Days, and race day permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day. In 1980 the swap meet was added, and it quickly became one of the largest buying-and-selling events of its kind anywhere. Hay Days racers come from all over the U.S. and Canada, and so do the swappers – pulling trailers overflowing with snowmobile, off-road, collectibles and a vast array of unearthed trinkets and treasures. With the growth of both the racing and the swap meet, other parts of Hay Days grew as well. Today, Hay Days represents one of the biggest, if not the biggest, powersports shows in the world. Virtually every major manufacturer and aftermarket company in both the snowmobile and off-road vehicle market are in attendance. You won’t find club members preparing thousands of hot dogs any longer, instead scores of food vendors and food trucks encompass the grounds and the Sno Barons have built four beer gardens, each close to the events and activities where the biggest crowds gather. It’s safe to say you won’t go thirsty. Today, Hay Days marks the beginning of the snowmobiling season, this “Official Start of Winter” puts the eyes of the entire global snowmobile population on this two-day event. For this reason, Hay Days has become the focal point for all the major players. Many manufacturers unveil their newest models at the event – often in grand style. There’s no question, Hay Days is a labor of love for the Sno Barons. The modern-day Hay Days is a major event, and it

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generates significant revenue…revenue that the Sno Barons use to continue to make both the Hay Days experience and the snowmobiling experience across the snowbelt better. It starts with the Hay Days grounds. Beyond the day-to-day costs of maintaining the facility, the Sno Barons are continually making investments to improve the infrastructure. From permanent roads, fencing, and world-class racing tracks to new structures and event experiences like this year’s Hay Days App for your smart phone — the Hay Days experience continually gets better. Beyond the venue, the Sno Barons developed a grant program to provide financial assistance to other snowmobile and offroad clubs. From bridge construction and warming houses to trail re-routes, the Sno Barons have been helping other clubs keep the sport of snowmobiling alive and vibrant. Additional process fund scholarships for area schools and charitable causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch, local food shelves, along with police, fire, and community groups. From humble beginnings to world’s largest…the passion and soul of the Sno Barons has remained the same. If you’d like to learn more about the Sno Barons Snowmobile Club and how you can become a member, visit their website at www. snobarons.com The club is always seeking new members who are active enthusiasts and want to make a difference in the sport.