Local winter sports enthusiasts gather for a swap meet and vintage sledding show

KASSON, Minn. (KTTC) – The Kasson Mantorville Snowdrifters and Byron Snow Bears hosted the Great Southern MN Swap Meet and Vintage Sled Show Sunday morning at the Kasson Fairgrounds.

Vendors at the event featured sleds, snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVS, with a few vintage snowmobiles from the 1960s. Event co-chairman Jim Miesbauer says this is the third year of organization of the gathering and that he believes it is an excellent local opportunity for enthusiasts to come together.

“We’re approaching winter,” he said. “(It’s) the end of September and we’re hoping to see a much better year this year for snowmobiling than last winter with no snow. We are like farmers. We are eternal optimists. It will be a good snow year.

Shared Miesbauer gatherings like this are important not only for providing opportunities for local enthusiasts, but also for attracting newcomers. He said the event was perfect for meeting new people and learning about winter sports if you’ve never done it before.

“If you’ve never been on a snowmobile, there’s a good place to come and talk to people who have snowmobiles and why you would want to get into the sport,” Miesbauer said. “It runs in your blood if you love outdoor activities and winter sports. Snowmobiling is a way to get out of the house, get off the couch, get outside and enjoy nature. »

Miesbauer said the main goal of these events is to raise money to maintain snowmobile trails in southeastern Minnesota. He adds that he plans to organize more exchange meetings each year.

Find stories like this and more in our apps.