Ron Brindley Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show in Dungannon
Dungannon’s first annual snowmobile show was held in Ron Brindley’s shed in 2014, as a way of Ron showing off his mammoth collection of sleds. His sister, Susan Brindley, estimates that he owned more than 200 machines, with more than 160 show-ready.
Eventually, the show outgrew the shed and moved to the Dungannon Fairgrounds and became the Dungannon Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet, held on the second Sunday of February each year. Ron’s love for antique snowmobiles was legendary, and he and his favourite of the collection, a Bombardier Snowbug, became famous in the area. In peak years, if the snow was just right, the show would feature more than 250 snowmobiles, from vintage to new, lined up in the fairground.
Sadly, Ron passed away in 2019, but his friends and family were determined to continue his legacy. The show was on hold for three years due to COVID, but the team never lost their vision and the Ron Brindley Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show returned in 2023, keeping the show just as Ronnie had it: an opportunity for fellow enthusiasts to talk to fellow collectors, buy and sell parts and, most importantly, show off their new and vintage rides.
The vintage collectors are a close-knit community, and Susan envisions that the event will gain momentum. If there is snow on the ground, many will snowmobile in, and in “off” (no snow) years there will be more trailered in.
The day-long event will run on February 11 from 10 am to 4 pm, with a lunch booth powered by the Dungannon Agricultural Society. For more information, you can follow the event on Facebook. 36897 Dungannon Rd, Dungannon