RAPID RIVER — A local tradition will return this weekend when the Rapid River Relic Riders holds its annual ride, snowmobile show, and swap meet.

The weekend’s events will kick off with a snowmobile ride Friday. Participants will meet up at Quality Plumbing, which is owned by Relic Riders President David Shope. Registration will be open from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

“We leave my shop … at noon,” Shope said. Before riders leave, the National Anthem will be sung and a two-plane flyover is scheduled to take place (weather permitting).

Traditionally, these rides have been well-attended.

“Last year, we had (about) 269 sleds,” Shope said. He is hoping for more participants this year. There is no cost to ride, but riders are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for local food pantries.

Shope said people whose snowmobiles are 25 years or older will not need a current trail permit to participate in the ride.

“We have a special permit for that ride for that day,” he said. However, this permit does not apply to newer snowmobiles.

While previous rides took participants to the Kipling Bar, this will not be the case for the 2018 ride.

“This year, we’re changing our route,” Shope said. Riders will be heading to the Lions Club in Perkins for a luncheon instead.

Shope said people who were not involved with the ride are welcome to participate in this part of the event.

“It’s (open) to the public,” he said.

At about 4:30 p.m., a bonfire will be held back at Quality Plumbing.

On Saturday, festivities will continue with a snowmobile show and swap meet in downtown Rapid River. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the Lions Club building. There is a registration fee, which can cover multiple snowmobiles. All registered participants will get a pocket knife and a dash plaque, and will be entered into a drawing to win a custom knife from Rapid River Knifeworks featuring the Relic Riders’ logo.

Shope said typically about 125-150 snowmobiles are displayed in this show.

At this year’s show, a 1972 Evinrude Bobcat 399 will be raffled off. Trophies will be given out at 3:30 p.m., and a can raffle and an auction will also be offered Saturday.

“There’s just an enormous amount of prizes,” Shope said. Activities will be offered for children in attendance, as well.

For more information, find the Rapid River Relic Riders on Facebook or call Shope at (906) 280-6630.