Polaris showing youth support at show
It’s common knowledge within the snowmobiling industry that increasing youth involvement is pivotal to the future success of the sport as a whole.
As the millennial generation continues to grow, so will their overall economic purchasing power and disposable income. Meanwhile, both studies and anecdotes alike can testify that if you don’t get someone interested in snowmobiling while they are young, it becomes an uphill battle to get them involved later in life.
Realizing the important end-goal for all involved, this year kids admission age 12 and under to the Big East Powersports Show in Syracuse, New York, Sept. 28-30 is free thanks to sponsorship provided by Polaris Industries’ Indy EVO.
The annual show is seen by many sledheads as the unofficial kick-off to the snowmobiling season, offering great deals on gear, all four manufacturers promoting new sleds, informative and interesting seminars during the Snow Goer Clinics and information on new places to ride — all in one family friendly and festive atmosphere. A partnership with Snowmobaby and SledFreak has also resulted in a Family Fun Zone with interesting things to see and activities to do, including a scavenger hunt, or entering to win a youth snowmobile.
“We believe that every moment on the snow should be a reason to ride again for all snowmobilers, especially youth — they are such an important part of the community and the future of the sport,” said Melissa Rowles, Polaris Marketing Specialist for the past seven years. “We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight these young riders at the Big East Powersports Show. We hope it will encourage more families to attend, and provide the chance for a family day celebrating the upcoming season! It’s a wonderful chance to see all of the exciting products as well as to connect with fellow riders. We all crave that feeling you can only get on the snow, and this show kicks off the season in a way that no other event can.”
“We are excited to find a partner in Polaris that shares our passion in further inviting young snowmobilers and future snowmobilers to join us at this fun event,” said Big East Powersports Show Producer John Prusak. “The Polaris sponsorship, the Family Fun Zone, the Snow Goer Clinic seminars and other features are all aimed at increasingly growing that audience.”
Promoted exclusively toward younger and inexperienced riders, Polaris launched two new 2019 Indy EVO snowmobiles last January.
The Indy EVO sleds are a trail-focused, downsized version of the 550 Indy. The sled sits lower to the ground, features more compact ergonomics and utilizes an engine package that is electronically limited to 50 mph. The models aren’t miniature, though, and include a quality suspension, digital gauge, push-button reverse, hand and thumb warmers and more.
“With the launch of the Indy EVO this year, there will be more chances for youth to stay interested in, or become involved with snowmobiling,” Rowles said. “We believe it’s important to support the tradition of quality time spent with friends and family. A day spent on the throttle is one way to share quality time. Encouraging youth to participate will help keep snowmobiling alive for future generations, as new riders explore the backcountry and take on miles of trails.”
Now in its 25th year and still going strong, the Big East Powersports Show is likely to draw one of its largest attendances ever this year, thanks in part to Polaris.
“The shared enthusiasm of the crowd gets me charged up every year and ready for winter,” said Prusak. “The whole world of snowmobiling is captured under one roof, and thousands of people fill the building all because they share the same passion.”
