Snowmobilers and other motorheads from throughout the Northeast are about to kick off the run-up to winter with the spectacular 30th Annual Big East Powersports Show in Syracuse, New York. The event will be October 4-6 at the New York State Fairgrounds.
The Big East has always been a wonderful place to shop for riding gear and accessories, find new places to ride, check out new sleds and other powersports equipment, find interesting aftermarket options, interact with clubs, inspect trailering options, hang out with fellow riders and much, much more.
None of that has changed.
However, increasingly the Big East Powersports Show has added various entertainment elements to make a trip to Syracuse on the first weekend of October even more fun. And for 2024, that effort hits hyperdrive with live music, high-flying freestyle shows, an expanded vintage presence, legendary celebrity guest appearances, used equipment swap meets, food trucks, family entertainment and more!
Let’s break it down with the Top 10 Reasons to attend this year’s Big East Powersports Show. Show hours are Friday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1. The Machines
For many folks, the new snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles and other equipment on the show floor are the ultimate stars of the show. Despite some rumors that claim otherwise, there will be major displays featuring Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo/BRP equipment, plus other powersports machines from those brands. Also, CFMoto is coming back with a major display of its street bikes and off-road equipment.
2. Shopping Variety
The world of snowmobiling and powersports equipment is brought together under one roof. You can see, touch, try on, size-up or otherwise interact with all sorts of gear. From jackets, bibs, boots, helmets, gloves, etc. to traction products, skis, safety equipment and more, you can see it all together in one place. Plus you can often learn from the people who actually designed the gear. Expect a wide variety of gear from brands like FXR, 509, Klim, CKX, Fieldsheer and many more.
3. Outside Attractions
The history of the great sport of snowmobiling will be on full display with the fourth annual Big East Classic, a big vintage snowmobile show in the parking lot on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Host Ron Fesko and his crew put on a top-notch event, with judging in 15 classes of all brands of sleds plus a special focus class on Yamaha this year. New this year, there will be a vintage swap meet associated with the Big East Classic showcase on Saturday. Plus there will be a regular used equipment Powersports Swap Meet on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested in selling some used gear at the swap? Call Ron at 315-415-5025 or email msrvintage@yahoo.com
4. MORE Outdoor Attractions
New this year, there will be a couple of food trucks that will add to the festive atmosphere in the parking lot, plus live music!
On Friday, October 4, the Bob Barker Food Truck will be on the grounds. On Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, the Ippoliti Street Foods truck will offer outdoor variety.
PLUS, two separate bands are scheduled to play outside during show hours. On Saturday, the acclaimed Bill Foley will play a variety of classic favorites from noon to 2 p.m. Then on Sunday, the Unparallel band will play its interesting mix of up-tempo covers from noon to 3.
5. High-Flying Action
New this year, the nationally acclaimed Dialed Action Sport team will showcase its incredible, high-flying BMX stunt show inside the Expo Center. If you’ve never seen a freestyle show in person, you’ve got to check it out. The Dialed Action team of athletes has competed and performed around the globe and will have live performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday at this year’s Big East. Bring the whole family and check it out!
6. More Family Fun
The kids in particular will love the freestyle show, but the fun doesn’t end there. New this year, there will be the Inflatable Regal Castle bouncy house and 40-foot inflatable Obstacle Course. They’ll be on site, inflated and ready for action during all show hours – 4 to 9 on Friday, 10 to 7 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.
Plus, the popular Scavenger Hunt is also coming back, rewarding kids for finding treasures throughout the Big East showfloor.
7. Learn From The Best
The Snow Goer stage is back for 2024, with more interesting live interviews and seminars. It kicks off Friday with an update on all things snowmobiling in New York with NYSSA Executive Director Rollie Scroger at 5 p.m. Then the 2025 Snow Goer Snowmobile Of The Year will be unveiled at 7 p.m.
Saturday, things get rolling with Hall of Fame snowmobile racer, innovative sled builder, master tuner, NASCAR racer – it’s hard to put one title on the legendary Tim Bender. His live interview starts at 1 p.m. Then at 4 p.m., Joe Duncan of WSA/X Racing/X Games fame will share his big plans to bring grassroots snowmobile racing back to the Northeast.
At 5 p.m. Saturday, the famous Snowmobiling Yeti you may have seen around Old Forge or Tug Hill will be on stage to describe his very unique charity mission. The seminars wraps up Sunday with the return of the popular Women’s Riding Clinic hosted by Pink Ribbon Riders’ Jody McKay and friends at noon.
8. Make Plans
The Big East Show is a great place to dream about potential future adventures. You can find new places to ride or new people to ride with. You can learn about guided tours, or find a snowmobile club to join. You can pick up trail maps or check out the new high-tech gauges that make adventure travel more fun. Or you can imagine the off-season possibilities by eying up some of the other powersports equipment on display.
9. Get Ready To Haul
Are you considering a new trailer to haul your toys? Or, are you looking to accessorize your current trailer to make the whole process easier and/or safer? Walk the floor of the Big East and solve your problems!
10. Enjoy The Scene
As much as anything, the Big East Powersports Show is a celebration. For years, it has served as an official kickoff to the countdown to winter for snowmobiling super-enthusiasts and other powersports fans. We gather, we may tip back a few beverages, we share stories, we interact with old friends we haven’t seen for awhile, and we get geared up and amped up for the wonderful season ahead! What’s not to like? Get your tickets now online.
Or, visit any of the following dealerships in Upstate New York for special discount coupons containing codes you can use when buying your online tickets for the absolute best pricing. Those discount coupons are available at:
Adventure at Burritt’s in Oswego
CJ Motorsports In Booneville
Cycle Shack in Rome
Empire Powersports in Phoenix
K.D.K. Sports in Rome
Sun & Snow Recreation in New York Mills
Preferred Powersports in Brewerton
Smith Marine in Old Forge
Sports Unlimited in Utica
Wheel-A-Way Motorsports in Fulton
