Sno Tigers snowmobile will hold Special Needs Ride Saturday

• Photo: Sno Tigers

Sno Tigers members will use side-by-sides to provide rides for kids with special needs on Saturday.

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When there’s a will, there’s a way.

That’s how the Farmington Sno Tigers operate when it comes to their annual Special Needs Ride coming up this weekend. There may not be much snow, but the group still plans to carry out the ride.

In its third year, the Special Needs Ride is an event hosted by the Sno Tigers, to give children with special needs and physical limitations the chance to have a little fun riding a snowmobile.

That’s been a bit of a challenge in and of itself. When the event started two years ago, there was plenty of snow to be had, but last year there wasn’t a good snow cover, and that may be the case again this year. But not to worry, Sno Tigers president Jim Hoeft said.

“One of the club members came up with the idea of using side-by-sides, so it was like, snow or no snow, we’re going to put a smile on these kids’ faces,” Hoeft said.

Side-by-sides are similar to snowmobiles but have extra seats for passengers, sort of like a car but made for riding in the snow, Hoeft said. There will be several side-by-sides out at the Dakota County Fairgrounds for the Special Needs Ride, as well as a number of snowmobiles. The equipment is likely to be in demand. In its short history, the Sno Tigers Special Needs Ride has attracted quite a few participants, Hoeft said. Families come from as far as Lake City, Maple Grove and Woodbury to take part.

Hoeft expects about 60 volunteers to bring out their snowmobiles and side-by-sides.

“When you start dealing with children, everybody wants to help,” Hoeft said.

The event is free and open to families with children or adults with physical limitations or other special needs. It will take place at the Dakota County Fairgrounds, and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – or however long it takes to make sure everyone has gotten a ride.

Though the event draws many families from around the area, not many come from Farmington. Hoeft isn’t sure why that is, but he’d like to see it change.

“When you reach out with your club and show what good your club can do, you would like it to reach those in your community. We want to reach our community and let them know what’s going on,” he said.

For more information about the event, visit the Sno Tigers website, www.farmingtonsnotigers.com, and click on the orange box that reads, “2013 Special Needs Ride.” More information about the Farmington Sno Tigers organization and other events it holds is also available at that site.

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