JOHN DAY – Trucks pulling trailers piled high with brightly-accented snowmobiles are rolling into John Day.

The Oregon State Snowmobile Association Convention is under way.

Snowmobile enthusiasts began official rides Tuesday, Jan. 19, and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 24. Except Saturday, riders meet at 8 a.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds. Rides will be designated for snowmobilers according to their level of riding experience.

Friday, most rides will go by Lake Creek Youth Camp in Logan Valley, where, for $5 each, a hot soup lunch, coffee and a cozy fireplace are among the offerings.

Friday also includes a 10 a.m. on-snow grooming seminar at Huddleston Sno-Park and 1 p.m. OSSA board meeting at the fairgrounds’ Keerins Hall.

A social for OSSA members, sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Center of John Day begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Pavilion.

Saturday, a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, ham, hash browns, coffee and juice for $6 will be served at John Day Senior Center from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. A seminar on using GPS (Geographic Positioning Systems) will begin at 9 a.m. at Keerins Hall.

At 10 a.m., a kids safety certification class will be offered at the south room of Keerins Hall.

At 11:30 a.m., U.S. Rep. Greg Walden will speak at the John Day Senior Center.

Beginning at noon, a hearty beef chili lunch with cornbread, salad, cookies, coffee and drinks will be served at the senior center. Cost is $8 per person.

Doors open for the evening banquet at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds pavilion. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Sen. Ted Ferrioli is keynote speaker. All are welcome.

Over 100 prizes have been donated by local businesses for door prizes and raffle items.