Arctic Cat will celebrate the brand’s 50th Anniversary as thousands of loyal Arctic Cat enthusiasts converge upon Thief River Falls, MN on July 29th and 30th. The celebration will be open to the public and all events are free.

Arctic Cat’s 50th marks a major milestone which began in 1961 when Edgar Hetteen founded Polar Manufacturing in Thief River Falls. There he began producing snowmobiles that reflected his dreams. One year later he changed the company name to Arctic Cat, and began a series of innovations that transformed hulking snow “machines” into small, playful snowmobiles.

Arctic Cat has two days of non-stop activities planned with the central location sharing space between the Pennington County Fairgrounds and the REA Huck Olson arena complex.

Friday, July 29 2011

  • Factory Tours 8am – 5pm (full production operation)
  • Product displays 11am – 9pm
  • Vintage displays in arenas 11am – 9pm
  • ATV / Prowler demos 11am – 3pm
  • Kids Playland 11am – 8pm
  • 50th Souvenirs 11am – 10pm
  • Fashion / Clothing show featuring vintage to current Arctic Cat garments at 4pm
  • Americana local legends band, “The WoodPicks”, 5pm – 7pm
  • Local favorites Country Rock band “Eagle Creek” 8pm – 11pm


Saturday, July 30 2011

  • History videos all day
  • Factory Tours 9am – 3pm (no production operation)
  • Swap meet 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Farmers market 8:00am – noon
  • City of TRF ATV ride 10am – noon
  • ATV / Prowler demos 11am – 3pm
  • Kids Playland 11am – 8pm
  • Vintage displays in arenas 11am – 9pm
  • 50th Souvenirs 11am – 10pm
  • Team Arctic racer meet and greet 2pm – 5pm
  • Fashion / Clothing show featuring vintage to current Arctic Cat garments at 4pm
  • “Blues 211” & “Eagle Creek Band” 6pm – 9pm
  • Country recording band “Restless Heart” at 9:30pm
  • Arctic Cat Fireworks Display 11pm

Arctic Cat Factory Tours

For 50 years Arctic Cat has been a potent source of ideas that originated from the many talented, passionate, people who have filled the Factory walls in Thief River Falls. Walk the same yellow lines they have on an in-depth tour of the world’s best power sport manufacturer. Friday, 8am-5pm, Saturday, 9am-3pm

City ATV Tour

Join ATV enthusiast Phil Morud and fellow riders plus the mayor of TRFalls on a tour of Thief River Falls via ATV. City use ATV permits will be available on site (you may need to show proof of insurance), and the tour run Saturday 10am – Noon. So bring your ATV and experience Thief River Falls the Arctic Cat way! The ride begins in front of the Ralph Engelsatd arena at 9:30am. For advanced permits, go to citytrf.net or contact Jennifer Lundeen at TRF Law Enforcement 218-681-6161.

Vintage Show

The world’s foremost Arctic Cat collections will be on display at the REA Huck Olson arena complexes located adjacent on the Pennington County Fairgrounds. Display will be open Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm. Open to all Arctic Cat products to display. There is NO registration fee and NO judging. If you are interested in participating in the show please contact Joel Hallstrom

50th Anniversary Store

To celebrate 50 years of kicking butt and looking good in ArcticWear, Arctic Cat will be rolling out several limited edition items that may not be available after the event, so don’t wait. For starters, purchase the all-new 50th Collector’s Edition book highlighting 50 years of the brands most significant vehicles, legends, heroes and inter-mixed with some of Arctic Cats most memorable advertisements. Don’t forget your ArcticWear! Perhaps a 50th Anniversary leather jacket, sweatshirt, t-shirt, caps and much, much more. Visit the Curling Club building Friday 11am – 10pm and Saturday 11am – 9:30pm.

Swap Meet

The early bird gets the worm…or the Cat. Make sure to hit the aisles of the Arctic Cat-only Swap meet Saturday 8am-4pm for the Arctic Cat treasure you’ve been looking for. If you are interested in selling any of old Arctic Cat parts, clothing, sleds, memorabilia, this is the time and place! please contact VCSA.com. There is a sellers fee collected at the gate for sellers only. Free admission to buyers.

Team Arctic

Mingle with Team Arctic racers like Roger Janssen, Davey Thompson, Jim Dimmerman, Brian Nelson, Chester Boman, Kirk Hibbert, Brad Pake, Brian Sturgeon, PJ Wandershied and Tucker Hibbert and many more from the present and past will be joining in the race area to visit and sign autographs. Get your copy of the 50th Anniversary Race Poster and meet the Team Arctic Racing Legends. Team Arctic meet and greet will be Saturday 2pm – 5pm.

Added featured race rigs will be the Bass Pro / Arctic Cat No#1 Jamie McMurray Sprint cup Nascar. Plus, the 2009 pole position Knoxville National Danny Lasoski sprint car along with Donny Schatz and Tony Stewart sprint cars.

ATV / Prowler Demos

Check out the latest ATVs and Prowlers from Arctic Cat. Take a ride and experience Arctic Cat’s Power, Ride Technology and Traction. Please remember, no alcohol may be consumed prior to the demo ride. Demo Rides will be available Friday and Saturday 11am – 3pm. Area ATV club will be assisting in the demo rides.

Kids PlayLand

We have activities for all ages. Kids playland will have a full assortment of play areas, bounce castles and games. The Thief River Falls High School Choir Club will supervise the playland to ensure everyone has a great, but safe time! PlayLand will be open Friday 11am – 8pm, Saturday 11am – 6pm.

Food

Local vendors will be on-site selling their food favorites. The popular 4H-food stand, The local Knights of Columbus Walleye fish stand (a Northern Minnesota favorite), The one and only “Uff Da Taco’s”, plus many other carnival food favorites.

Beer Garden

The beer garden is sponsored and operated by the local Snowmobile Clubs. Proceeds raised to support trail efforts.