SnoWest

20 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2015 West Yellowstone, MT, is known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World. Its streets are covered in snow for nearly half the year. Snowmobiles pack these streets and their riders share one goal—to hit the snow offered in the area's mountains. Events pack the small town, which truly relies on visitors to survive, some- times increasing the population three- fold. As with all things, change hap- pens, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Rumors of Yellowstone National Park closures, restrictions on Park admittance and dips in the economy have all affected this small Montana town. As locals feel this, their frustrations build and they turn to dis- cussions of plans for better times. West Yellowstone was the birthplace of snowmobile freestyle. It began as nothing more than an after-show party during the Expo years ago. Riders such as Chris Vincent, Blair Morgan and Nathan Titus competed. One man with an idea approached the riders with the guts to hit jumps and do tricks, just to keep the crowds a little longer. This same man set up jumps over his truck for two local teenagers with an idea of incorporating a ramp. This enter- tainment was called an air show and turned into the national sport known as Snowmobile Freestyle. With the knowledge that the town of West Yellowstone has so much to offer, a vision was once held by local resident Bill Oldroyd. His passion for Expo, West Yellowstone, giving back to those in need and having a dream planted the seed for Wild Bill Productions. Do you know those peo- ple you meet in life that the moment you lay eyes on them it hits you that they were born a century too late? If any of you have met Oldroyd, you know that was him to a T. It all began several years ago during the freestyle show at the 2011 World Snowmobile Expo. Tyler Johnson with Octane Addictions auctioned off a signed hel- met for an injured rider to assist with his medical bills. Oldroyd bid ten times the value of the helmet with the closing bid at just over $3,000. As the large statured man clothed in his custom-made buffalo coat approached with his grandson in tow, he handed the check to Johnson and said, "I pray this helps the young man in need." At that moment, something much bigger began. Johnson and Oldroyd discussed their passion for West Yellowstone and the Expo and together threw out ideas of how to improve it and take it to the next level. Discussions and friendships formed over the next few years. In 2013, Oldroyd expressed his dreams and desires with his daughter, Katrina Mann. They brainstormed how and when to bring concerts back to West Yellowstone. This was a path the two had been down before and wanted to re-entertain the idea. This would be, though unknown at the time, a father and daughter's last business meeting. Oldroyd tragically lost his life a few days later. His loss was felt not only among family and friends, but also in the com- munity. A man with great vision and determination was lost. In March of 2014, Johnson and Mann reunited and started to rekindle the communication of the dream once had by a father and a friend. Later that summer, Johnson received a call from an all too familiar number and on the other end of the line Mann expressed that there was only one thing left she needed to do in order to help her cope with the loss of her father. She said, "Tyler, this is the year; this is the time; let's make the dream a reality." From that time on, their imagina- tions flew. The sky was the limit. The planning has started. The bands are booked. Octane Addictions snowmo- bile freestyle riders are in and fireworks are on. This will be the start of some- thing big; something new. Wild Bill Productions is proud to announce its 1st annual Wild Bill Octane Nights in West Yellowstone, MT, March 13-14th. The event will bring you the action and excitement of Octane Addictions snowmobile freestyle, concerts and fireworks. Friday night you can hear country bands, including the Teka Brock Band, Confederate Railroad and Black Hawk. The beat will pick up Saturday with rock night featuring The Outlaws, Warrant & Jackyl. In between bands playing on both nights, Octane Addictions will host snowmobile freestyle shows, featuring riders Sam Rogers and Willie Elam on snowmo- biles and Reagan Sieg on a Timbersled. At the end of the events on Saturday night, the sky will light with the big- gest fireworks show West Yellowstone has ever seen. In conjunction with Wild Bill Octane Nights, West Yellowstone will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of Expo, which brings more than 50 of the top snowmobile vendors in the world. These vendors showcase and sell their products at the Holiday Inn Friday through Sunday. Additional events on Thursday include Casino Night and live music at the Holiday Inn. Friday will offer a day of races, including vintage and drag races. Saturday holds more races and chances to ride the pristine mountains. Tickets are sold at WildBillOctaneNights.com or swing by Polaris West in West Yellowstone, MT, Yellowstone Polaris in Billings, MT, or Gallatin Recreation in Belgrade, MT. Get your tickets before Feb. 13 to see all six bands, freestyle and fireworks for less than $100. Go like the Wild Bill Productions' Facebook page for more details about the events and a chance to win the Ultimate Package, including free lodg- ing, fuel cards, VIP passes, meet and greet with the bands and much more. Drawing for the grand prize will be held Feb. 14. d

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