Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/343790
FOCUS PSB UTV-Sport 24 • July 13, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com High Lifter sees attendance double in Year 2 of Minnesota event BY LIZ KEENER MANAGING EDITOR After a somewhat disappointing Year 1 at High Lifter Quadna Mud Nationals, organizers weren't sure what to expect for 2014. However with nine extra months to plan the second annual Hill City, Minn., event and word of mouth spreading about the fun attendees had in 2013, High Lifter was wowed by Year 2. "It was awesome. It was a great success," Tracie Engi, event coordinator for Mud Nation- als Events LLC, told Powersports Business. "Last year we had a good show, but a lot of people didn't know what to expect, so we went back this year, and we more than doubled the number of people that went last year. So that was our goal." After learning from its first foray into Min- nesota, Mud Nationals made a few changes going into the second year. First, the event was cut down from four days to three, to confine more attendees into a shorter amount of time, and to save vendors an added day of expenses. Also, a day pass option was added, allowing riders to save some money if they only had one day to spare, rather than having to pay up for the full weekend pass. "Our goal is for you to come and camp and spend the weekend. You get the most out of the event; you enjoy it more, but we know that's also not always possible," Engi said. Those who bought full weekend passes were about equal to the number who purchased day passes only. The day passes were offered to stay in line with many other recreational busi- nesses in the area. But those who bought the day passes were sometimes convinced to stay longer, as some returned for Day 2, ready to upgrade to the larger package. Not only did Mud Nationals' changes make a difference, but Mother Nature also played her role. Enough rain poured down Thursday to leave Quadna Mountain Park plenty muddy, but the precipitation stayed away for most of the rest of the weekend. "I think the weather was on our side this year. Last year it was pretty bad rain for the most part," Engi said. With the increased attendance came Getting muddy at Quadna Mud Nationals Plenty of sunshine and an event shortened from four days to three brought success to Quadna Mud Nats in 2014. LIZ TAKES ON QUADNA PSB managing editor Liz Keener dove straight into the Quadna Mud Nationals experience. Can-Am allowed her to borrow a Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS to traverse the Quadna Mountain Park grounds, while she also participated in Polaris' Sportsman ACE demo ride.