McDONOUGH – Hundreds of snowmobilers from across the area will be drawn to the Brackel Bar and Grille for a good time and a good cause this weekend as the fifth annual Snow Blast returns to the hills of Chenango County.

The event gets underway from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Admission is free and open to all.

Each year, the Snow Blast provides a local venue for snowmobile enthusiasts and vendors to come together to scope out exciting new products and promote snowmobile safety. But for many, the event means so much more. Sponsored by the eight local clubs that make up the Chenango County Snowmobile Federation and Riding the Bumps to Get Rid of the Lumps, the annual Snow Blast aims to raise funds to help cancer patients with costs incurred during treatment sessions.

“It’s a good way to get people out in the winter time,” said Alice Thompson, one of the key organizers of Snow Blast.

Thompson also noted that all funding raised during the Snow Blast stays local, meaning those who benefit may be friends, relatives or neighbors. “It’s definitely a good event,” she added.

While Snow Blast offers something new each year, this year will also see the return of some customary favorites, including the vintage sled show, groomer rides, snowmobile merchandise vendors and dealer booths with demo rides – snow and weather pending.

The event also features a number of fundraising efforts, including food concessions, and several contests and activities for participants. Attendees are invited to decorate their sleds and themselves to show their support. And the “Supporting Rider” award will be given to boost breast cancer awareness.