Arctic Fest Party Like It's 1962

"Throughout the exhibit you could find groups of sleds that represented a period of Arctic Cat history. Here you see all the EXTs that established Cat's race history during the 1970s.

Cat opened its factory doors for two days, allowing thousands to experience the fast flow of production. Until you actually experience what goes on inside a factory, it's hard to grasp the genius behind a production build.

"To top off the event, Cat rolled out its all-new Wildcat sideby- side . which quickly attracted a crowd. Whether it be over snow or any kind of terrain, Arctic Cat is establishing itself as a leader in powersports recreation.

"Not only could you experience the past, you could also rub shoulders with the future. Arctic Cat had its top race teams available, complete with race sleds and semis, so you could see the technology that is being tested on the track and visit with those future "hall of fame" racers.

"Looking for a new ATV or SUV? Cat offered everyone a chance to get behind the wheel (or handlebars) of its dirt toys.

Arctic Cat recently celebrated 50 years of snowmobile production-from the first "Tin Lizzie" front engine snowmobile that rolled off the line in the spring of 1962, to the 2012 XF turbos that were rolling off the line at the end of July.

For two days, Thief River Falls opened its doors to loyal Cat enthusiasts and turned the Pennington County Fairgrounds into memory lane. The history of Cat, including snowmobiles from five decades, was on display.

Practically every Arctic Cat snowmobile that played a significant role in the advancement of the snowmobile industry-whether it be an Arctic expedition, an Eagle River world championship or anything in between-could be found, touched, and examined.

Here's a quick look at what snowmobile enthusiasts enjoyed.