Things could get messy in Hermon on Saturday.
A handful of Maine celebrities will be among the hundreds of snowmobilers who will hit local trails for the 49th annual Snowmobile Ride-In, which raises money for Pine Tree Camp, an organization that provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
As part of the event, participants will gently stuff raw eggs into their snowmobile suits before heading out on a ride around the area. Each egg represents $50 in donations for Pine Tree Camp and provides snowmobilers with the incentive to have a smooth ride.
The list of celebrities who will be trying not to crack under pressure includes “Survivor” winner Bob Crowley, Jared “Jedi” Baker of “Maine Cabin Masters,” and North American Ski-Doo Ambassador John Gibbs. Local media representatives include Scott Miller and Cindy Campbell of Q106.5, Angela Luna of WABI-TV5 and “The Nite Show’s” Dan Cashman and Christie Robinson.
For the first time, Pine Tree Camp also is offering a “Poker Run,” during which snowmobile riders and other contestants driving cars make a handful of stops along the trail or road and pick up a sealed playing card at each one. The five cards make up their poker hand and the top hands win cash and prizes.
During the Ride-In, folks will have a chance to take in the “Antique Pit Stop” featuring a selection of vintage snow sleds.
The Penobscot Snowmobile Club also is sponsoring a silent auction inside Dysart’s with prizes provided by area merchants.
One side benefit of the Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In is that most of the events occur outside, which should help allay fears about potential exposure to COVID-19.
The activities help bring together snowmobiling enthusiasts, who share their passion for the sport while helping support one of Maine’s most enduring nonprofit entities.
“We’ve had a lot of snowmobile clubs that are going to come out and join the ride, which is exciting,” said Adria King, donor and alumni relations manager for the Pine Tree Society.
King is hopeful the organization can raise $100,000 this year.
Dysart’s on Coldbrook Road is offering an all-day pancake breakfast Saturday with proceeds to benefit Pine Tree Camp. Riders meet there at 10 a.m. and depart at 10:30 bound for a stop at the Penobscot Snowmobile Club before returning to Dysart’s at noon.
Registration begins at noon for the Poker Run, which starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for each hand.
The snowmobiling community has been an important supporter of Pine Tree Camp, a 285-acre, year-round facility located in Rome that was founded in 1945. Funds raised through the Snowmobile Ride-In and Poker Run enable the organization to provide services, regardless of ability to pay.
For more information on Saturday’s events, visit pinetreesociety.org/events/snowmobile-ride-in/