Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club, Inc.

The Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club was born in 1966. Each year, on the weekend following Labor Day, this volunteer club puts on the spectacular Hay Days Event. This has become a family event with things to do for all ages.

The first race took place in November 1967, on the site of what’s now the Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Early events – then known as the “Hay Day” race – took place in a single afternoon in October or November and drew racers from just the Twin Cities area. Because snow is far from certain during those months, organizers built the race surface out of alfalfa hay, hence the name “Hay” Day.

As word spread about an interesting snowmobile race held on a bed of hay, its popularity grew. Still, events were held on a shoestring budget and Sno-Barons coordinated everything – from building the track to signing up racers to managing concessions. Long-time members recall spending endless hours preparing hundreds of pounds of sloppy Joes, brats, polish sausages and hot dogs to feed hungry spectators.

The event led a nomadic existence, with development forcing it to move several times until the club in 2010 purchased its own land in Sunrise Township in Chisago County, about seven miles east of North Branch, which is now Hay Days’ permanent home.

Hay Days really kicked into gear in 1976 when the Southern Wisconsin Drag Racing Association added the event to its racing circuit. Soon, racers from everywhere were flocking to Hay Days, and race day permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day. From then on, grass would be the surface of choice for sleds and drivers eager to challenge each other for top honors.

In 1980 the Swap event was added, and it quickly became one of the largest buying-and-selling events of its kind anywhere. Hay Days racers come from all over the U.S. and Canada, and so do the swappers – pulling trailers overflowing with snowmobiling treasures. Swap has now grown to over 30 acres.

To many snowmobilers, dealers and manufacturers, Hay Days marks the beginning of the snowmobiling season, making it the “Official Start of Winter.” Many manufacturers unveil their newest models at the event – often in grand style.

The Sno-Barons believe in reinvesting in the sport they love, so the club supports and sponsors many other racing events throughout the area. Each year, event proceeds fund a wealth of charitable causes with over 60 in just the past two years. The Sno-Barons Grant Program helps other snowmobile organizations and clubs finance infrastructure, such as bridges and warming houses on their trails. Proceeds are donated to many charitable causes, such as the Children’s Minnesota Foundation – Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Almelund Fire and Rescue, Special Olympics, as well as local food shelves, police, fire and community groups, among others.

From humble beginnings as the brainchild of a few dedicated snowmobilers, Hay Days is now the largest powersports event of its kind in North America, attracting some of the fastest, flashiest and most sophisticated machines in the world – and, of course, some of the greatest fans!

We believe in community and doing all we can to be a good neighbor. We hope to see you at this year’s Hay Days, always the weekend after Labor Day!