Submitted Photo Vintage snowmobiles are on display during a past show in Deering. The Joel Lochthowe and Blaine Kotasek Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show and Ride takes place this year on March 2.

DEERING – Now entering its 12th year, the Joel Lochthowe and Blaine Kotasek Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show and Ride in Deering will be held Sunday, March 2, from noon-2 p.m.

The event is a regional draw, with vintage snowmobile enthusiasts traveling from across the state and from South Dakota and Minnesota. Each year, the show grows a little, with more than 100 registered vintage snowmobiles on display. This family-friendly event is free. There are no show registration or entrance fees. The show is possible due to the volunteer efforts of vintage snowmobile enthusiasts, the Deering community and sponsors.

Once known as the Deering Vintage Show, organizers have changed the name to honor Joel Lochthowe and Blaine Kotasek, two area snowmobile collectors who started the show and facilitated its growth.

The small Deering community becomes a hive of activity the first Sunday in March, with the local bar, cafe and community center all doing their part to offer food and beverage and a place to warm up and visit. The Deering Community Center will be hosting a vendor show during the event that will offer a variety of crafts items and food products.

The show features classes of restored and unrestored snowmobiles and has special classes for racing snowmobiles, mini sleds and even modified/rat sleds.

In the early years of the snowmobile industry, there were many different manufacturers, brands and models. Some sleds are referred to as orphans because they were the only model a manufacturer ever produced, or some models may be on the “rare” list due to number produced or a unique engine the manufacturer used.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. and judging is at noon. Awards are presented at 2 p.m., with a short ride to follow.

Deering is located on the Snowmobile North Dakota state snowmobile trail system, which connects to many area communities. Local club volunteers, who sign and groom the trail system, encourage riders on licensed snowmobiles to ride in for the show. When weather and trail conditions permit, a short vintage trail ride concludes the show each year.