A hardy bunch turns up to watch the snow machines race at Fairgrounds event

One snowmobiler in the youth division gets the checkered flag as another comes in a close second during East Coast Snocross races held at the Rochester Fairgounds on Saturday. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Several hundred snowmobile enthusiasts braved bone-chilling cold Saturday as they swarmed the racetrack and grandstand portion of the Rochester Fairgrounds to watch participants in an East Coast Snocross race circuit using the venue for the very first time.

Temperatures hovered around 12 degrees as groups of snowmobilers of all ages took their turns racing around a circular track complete with jumps, tight turns and plenty of competition.

Dozens of eventgoers sauntered along the corridor between where livestock displays are shown during the Rochester Fair and the grandstand sipping ice cold beer at one of a couple of beer kiosks set up for the weekend.

Snowmobilers negotiate a tight turn as they head for a final hill and the checkered flag during Snocross racing held Saturday at the Rochester Fairgrounds.

Adjoining the edge of the grandstand a temporary shelter was set up with a propane heater roaring inside that kept it at a balmy 50 degrees.

The tent housed merchandise for sale from Rochester Motorsports and allowed for families to enjoy a comfortable lunch from one of several food vendors

Still, many spectators looked uncomfortably cold as they viewed the races from the grandstand.

"It's not bad in there," grinned one eventgoer as he hung around just outside the tent's door flap.

Many see nonfair events such as the snowmobile racing as key to the fairground's and the Rochester Fair's solvency moving forward.

East Coast Snocross racing will return to the Fairgrounds for their second and final day today at 10 a.m.

Tickets for adults at $12 with children age 7 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Pit passes are available for an extra $10.

Temperatures today are expected to be more comfortable than Saturday, with highs near 30 and little or no wind.