Annual Snow Blast returns to Chenango

McDONOUGH – Hundreds of snowmobilers from across the area will be drawn to the Brackel Bar and Grille for a good time and a good cause this weekend as the fifth annual Snow Blast returns to the hills of Chenango County.
The event gets underway from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Admission is free and open to all.
Each year, the Snow Blast provides a local venue for snowmobile enthusiasts and vendors to come together to scope out exciting new products and promote snowmobile safety. But for many, the event means so much more. Sponsored by the eight local clubs that make up the Chenango County Snowmobile Federation and Riding the Bumps to Get Rid of the Lumps, the annual Snow Blast aims to raise funds to help cancer patients with costs incurred during treatment sessions.
“It’s a good way to get people out in the winter time,” said Alice Thompson, one of the key organizers of Snow Blast.
Thompson also noted that all funding raised during the Snow Blast stays local, meaning those who benefit may be friends, relatives or neighbors. “It’s definitely a good event,” she added.
While Snow Blast offers something new each year, this year will also see the return of some customary favorites, including the vintage sled show, groomer rides, snowmobile merchandise vendors and dealer booths with demo rides – snow and weather pending.
The event also features a number of fundraising efforts, including food concessions, and several contests and activities for participants. Attendees are invited to decorate their sleds and themselves to show their support. And the “Supporting Rider” award will be given to boost breast cancer awareness.
All funds raised will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Riders, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to both men and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
More than 300 snowmobile afficionados attended last year’s Snow Blast, helping to raise more than $2,575.
“Our goal last year was to help just one patient by giving them $500 to help pay some of the expenses associated with traveling to treatment centers, like gas cards and food,” said Snow Blast coordinator Sandy Rhodes. “We were actually able to raise enough to help five more people, which is great.”
Rhodes also mentioned, “We were able to do that during a year without snow ... I can’t imagine what kind of a turnout we would get if there’s snow this year.”
Rhodes pointed out that the annual Snow Blast consistently draws people and organizations from outside Chenango as well. “We have several snow clubs joining us, some from Binghamton, Whiney Point, Sherburne and Unadilla Valley ... Each club will do their own ride before meeting at the Brackel (Bar and Grille),” she said.
With more than 900 miles of snowmobile trails in Chenango County, snowmobiling is a local wintertime recreational favorite. “I think that really helps us promote their event each year,” said Rhodes. “Everyone has their passion and this is a passion any age can do. It’s not a sport that is age specific and it leads to a bigger audience.”
She added, “The event is a great cause. It’s great to help another group and also get the word out about safe snowmobiling.”

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