I know it's cool to brag about how long you've been going to certain popular events (FYI: I've been going to Hay Days since 1953).

I'm not very cool, but here are 34 things I learned at the 2011 edition of this remarkable event.

As many here guessed, the announced Arctic Cat unveiling at Hay Days was the new-for-2012 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 ProCross race sled.

For the first time since 2004, the Arctic Cat race sled is largely identical to the Arctic Cat sleds the rest of us ride.

Click to read about what will make this a championship-ready machine for racers, and why it's important for the rest of us.

Captured by Swedish/Arctic Cat mad-man Bengan Westerlund, this image of a legendary Team Arctic champ sets up a trivia question for today:

Who is it?

The first person (other than Stephen Knox or Bengan) to answer correctly receives one of my infamous care packages.

Team Arctic's P.J. Wanderscheid won his 4th World Championship title wearing this stuff, and Ryan Simons captured first USCC cross-country Championship with the same gear.

Coincidence?

Click to read about three new DRIFT gear items for 2012.

Another awesome watercross season for Arctic Cat's Dale Lindbeck (right).

In fact, it was so good that he had to share the joy with Team Arctic's Gary Moyle (left)

Click to read Dale's short recap.

It would be impossible to see the world through Tucker's eyes.

For $70 bucks you can see it through his goggles.

The next time a 1996 Arctic Cat ZR580 goes past you at 100mph with the skis dangling in the air, consider that it might be John Anderson's sweet custom (and a bit more than 580cc).

Click for more info on this beastly ego-destroyer.

Yep, this makes me want to peg it through some whoops on a new Wildcat.

I just received an invitation to a new-for-2012 Arctic Cat snowmobile unveiling at Hay Days this coming weekend.

Hmmm... I wonder what new sled Arctic Cat will pull the wraps off?

Any suggestions?

Cheers to everyone observing Labor Day weekend.

After this weekend, Summer is over (in my view, at least).

Do you need your FOX shocks serviced (or looking to upgrade your Floats to EVOLs) and you're going to Hay Days?

Bring your shocks and they'll do the service there, while you wait.

Getting your shocks tuned by the pros (at very reasonable prices, I'm told) WAY before the riding season seems like a good idea to me.

Here's the press release from FOX:

I believe there are still many more machines tucked away in barns, shops and garages.

And I believe that time will eventually shake loose their roots, enabling them to surface.

Question is, what machines?

(Click to read.)

Until YouTube cracks the juggernaut of streaming smell, we'll have to settle for video and sound of some new 2012 Speedwerx products.

The last weekend of September often sees Arctic Cat people the world-over enjoying the final fleeting glimmers of summer.

Some are going to the Outlaw Grass Drags/Swap Meet in Princeton, Minn., some are just chillin' with friends while others are buying new jeans and shoes for school.

Meanwhile, Team Arctic's Kirk Hibbert is enjoying a day on the river, riding his Tigershark, hanging-out with Joey and wondering who the heck is chasing him on WetBikes.

Click for the end-of-summer time warp.

Check out the cool video tour of the Arctic Cat production factory in TRF.

I’m glad that Arctic Cat went fish'n for a couple years, because it ultimately led the company to where it is today.

Click to read, please.

If you weren't able to attend Arctic Cat's 50th Anniversary Party, this sweet 10-minute video gives a brief look at what went down.

Each month a tall schmoozer from Arctic Cat sends the media hacks like myself a pack of press releases about products they hope we'll feature on printed or electronic pages.

Since their ad dollars help me to keep the lights on this place, I dutifully comply. Especially when I'm involved with some of the products.

I wonder if 1970 World Heavyweight Boxing champ Smokin' Joe Frazier is still a big fan of snowmobiling?

Click to see a few pix.

Want a chance to win a complete sled make-over by Speedwerx, then be featured on SledHead 24/7 television riding your reworked rocket?

All you need is a 2012 XF or F1100 Turbo, and attend Haydays.

Oh, and you have to click HERE to enter (prior to Sept. 2) for free.