NIAGARA GAZETTE
Published: April 09, 2008 08:17 pm

By Don Glynn

Despite the forecast for temperatures in the mid-50s, much of the talk around downtown this weekend will deal with snow.

In fact, the annual New York State Snowmobile Association will hold its annual meeting and forum from Friday to Sunday at Conference Center Niagara Falls.

“We’re excited to bring more than 1,000 snowmobilers from across the state to this beautiful destination.” said Robert Perry, the association’s president. “It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the very best of snowmobiling in New York — safe, healthy recreation for the entire family.”

The activities will include seminars and several workshops on safety, trail grooming and signage. An awards banquet, an organizational meeting and the election of officers also are planned.

Guests will include state Commissioner of Motor Vehicles David J. Swarts, state Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane, and Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte.

The statewide association is a volunteer organization representing 65,000 snowmobile riders, families and clubs across the Empire State.

A state parks spokesman said snowmobiling contributes more than $875 million to the state economy every year.