Just got back. Can't say it was like it "used to be" - but it was still enjoyable to walk around and see some stuff. My son had never been - he had 0 expectations and enjoyed himself just fine. Got a few things I can use/need as well - nothing earth shattering, but it was nice to be around stuff and get the juices flowing.   Also a few items that for the group who have endless money - I bet they get to have a lot of fun.   All in all no complaints.  

It’s a very expensive venue for a show.      My friends sell sled trailers.  They are not there this year.     It’s just too expensive for the small vendors.  Hard to recoup the big spend especially in a tighter economy.

So what’s the winning pick?   I saw an interesting video where Bruce at Southside has 2.0 Fox shocks to upgrade any Polaris to bigger Fox QS3 shocks.   Could be interesting if you found a good XC 850 and upgraded shocks.    

Picked up my sons new to him sled today. Just finished putting it into the garage. Smells delicious. we are going to the show tomorrow.   pretty pumped for the snow.  

I find fall a very exciting time, change in season, beautiful scenery, chilly nights start to set in, hockey is in full swing, sledding becomes more of a focal point, etc…. But the realities of life can be a bit of a bummer and definitely a discussion point, whether it be people struggling, dealers closing, people walking away from orders, possibly low sale numbers for permits, last year it was trails closing, etc…resulting in “sled prices falling large”.  But as you say, the negative thoughts are quickly forgotten when the snow flies, people are enjoying the season, making and sharing memories.  Unless one is abundantly rich with wealth, I’m not sure trying to be fiscally responsible is necessarily a bad thing when things are not exactly rosy….and are forums not for just that, discussion of various things that all may not align with! Sure would be awesome to have a third consecutive great season though