The largest exhibition of snowmobiles and snow equipment is taking place in Vernon Nov. 13 and 14.
Image Credit: Brett Turcott
October 28, 2015 - 6:30 PM
VERNON - The largest exhibition of snow machines and snow safety equipment is coming to Vernon in less than two weeks.
The first ever B.C. Provincial Snow Show is made up of three events that were previously held across the Interior — in Vernon, Williams Lake and Prince George. This year, the Vernon Snowmobile Association combined all three to become the largest exhibition of its kind in the province.
Association secretary Craig Moore says the two-day event will have plenty of attractions for everyone, but there is one aspect they are particularly concerned with.
“The biggest thing is the avalanche awareness,” he says. “We really want people to come out and learn about it. It’s easy for anyone to go out and buy an avalanche pack and beacons but how do you know to use it properly?”
Moore says global warming has caused more unpredictable weather and increased the likelihood of a slide or avalanche in recent years.
“It’s becoming more and more dangerous out there,” he says. “Last year was really bad because it rained and it warmed and the chance of a slide got worse. When it rains in the mountains and gets a hard pack that’s when you get in trouble.”
Moore says he personally has a vested interest in helping teach about backcountry winter preparedness. He’s lost friends to avalanches and one of his best friends will be giving a seminar at the show about how he managed to escape burial in an avalanche.
Roughly 100 vendors will be at the event, which starts Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m., selling everything from the latest snowmobiles and snow bikes, safety equipment and more. The top professional riders will also be there signing autographs and taking photos with fans.
“One of my pro riders that will be there is 16 years old,” he says. “It’s great for the industry and it’s great for creating awareness. We just want everyone to have a good time and come home safe.”
The first Provincial Snow Show takes place Friday at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Kal Tire Place in Vernon and is followed by an after party hosted by Betty’s, a Canadian women’s snowmobile group that raises money for the community.
Doors open again Saturday at 10 a.m.
Admission is by donation with all proceeds going to the Winfield Easter Seals Camp for Kids.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015