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Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows (MVSS) is celebrating its 25th consecutive show in Waconia on January 25-27, 2019. The Midwest Ride-In, or Waconia Ride-In as it has become known, is the world’s largest vintage, antique and classic snowmobile event. Thousands of enthusiasts gather annually on the shores of Lake Waconia to celebrate the rich and storied history of the snowmobile hobby.
“The Lake Waconia Event Center and Park was a terrific venue for the Midwest Ride-In the last 25 years, but Carver County [who controls the park and facilities] have informed us changes lie ahead,” said John Zeglin, the event’s co-chair for over 25 years. The County is anticipating major construction affecting park access and infrastructure beginning in fall of 2019 as development plans for the Park and neighboring properties move forward eliminating significant event parking.
“Organizing the 2019 show has been extremely difficult as we lost our long time caterer due to new regulatory requirements imposed by Carver County. More than a dozen established catering services inquired and none met the County’s new requirements,” said Zeglin. “We tried to find a solution, but our costs for the 2019 show have tripled. Given the challenges today and with more on the horizon, MVSS is forced to seek a new venue for 2020 and beyond.”
MVSS is a non-profit organization with a 30 member committee that works year-round to plan and organize the Midwest Ride-In and promote the hobby. For the event weekend itself, MVSS relies on volunteers from local snowmobile clubs to contribute 2,500 hours to ensure a fun, safe and rewarding experience. MVSS donates thousands of dollars each year to these clubs to help finance local trail grooming and maintenance. For many the Midwest Ride-In is their largest source of funding.
MVSS would like to thank the Carver County Snowrunners, Chaska Sno-Hawks, the Westonka SnoBlazers, Southwest Trails Association, Waconia Fire Department, Hamburg Fire Department, Norwood Young America Fire Department, Mayer Fire Department, Watertown Fire Department, Watertown Lions, MnUSA Region 8, South Tonka Snowmobile Club and many, many sponsors for their dedication, service and support in helping organize and staff this
exceptional event.
MVSS is seeking new partners and a new venue for the 2020 show. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the 2019 show on January 25-27 to experience the event first hand. Please contact John Zeglin, 651-649-4688, with inquires.