FREMONT - Generally, you expect to see snowmobiles out when there's snow on the ground. But on a 70 degree day in early October?

Strange as it might seem, the annual Grass Drags and Water Crossing event has been a tradition in Fremont since the 1970s. The three-day spectacle, hosted by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, drew more than 20,000 people last year, and similar crowds are expected this weekend. GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is even expected to attend.

"If you're passionate about snowmobiles, you'll hit this event this weekend," said M.A. Ricci, the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association's secretary.

Peterson's/Brookvale Farm, where the event is held, looked like NASCAR meeting the X Games yesterday, with three race locations, including a skate park set up for ATVs and snowmobiles, behind a sea of RVs and trailers.

The event centers around two key races: grass drags and water cross. The grass drag pits two snowmobile riders in a test of wills and speed on an open field grass course. The water cross is a little more complicated, challenging riders to cross a body of water on their snowmobiles without sinking into their muddy doom.

There also are tents where vendors can show off the hottest products in the snowmobiling world.

"It's great for people who are passionate about snowmobiles," Ricci said. "People can see old friends here, they can see the latest and greatest equipment, and see the competitions. It's one-stop shopping."

It also serves as the unofficial kickoff to the snowmobile season, according to Terry Callum Jr., the snowmobile association's vice president.

The first activity of the three-day event opened yesterday afternoon, giving spectators an opportunity to check out the newest equipment that vendors and companies in the area have available.

One of the vendors, Plaistow Motorsports, has been appearing at the event for the past six years.

"My favorite part is being able to interact with our personal customers on a more casual basis," owner Bill Ranney said. "It's different, as opposed to interacting with them inside of the store, its much more casual."

"It's good to get your name out there," said Dave Hughes, who works with Ranney at Plaistow Motorsports. "And it's a great time to all."

But the event wasn't restricted to vendors on the first day of action. Friday was "amateur night," allowing amateurs from all around to register to participate in trail races once the sun went down.

Snowmobile enthusiast Brian Lee of Hampstead has been coming to the event since he was a child, and this year he brought his son Ryan, 13.

"I've loved snowmobiles all my life," Brian Lee said. "It's interesting to see these snowmobiles in warmer weather conditions."

"I like the grass drags," said Ryan. "It's cool watching them."

Steve Jones Sr. of Freedom, and his son, Steve Jr., have been coming for the past 10 years. Steve Sr.'s favorite part is watching the races because of their peculiarity.

"It's not every day you see a snowmobile cross water," he said.

For 11-year-old Chris Smith of Barrington, this was his first trip to the event. His father, Ed, was making his third trip and took Chris along as an early birthday present for the avid dirt bike rider.

"It's amazing how many people come to this little field every year," Ed Smith said.

The key events today and Sunday will be the first grass drag and water cross races, along with a flea market that will remain open all weekend. Both days will feature freestyle snowmobile shows, today at 3 p.m. and Sunday at noon.

Admission for a one-day pass is $15 and a two-day pass costs $25. For a full listing of the weekend's scheduled events, check out the official Web site at www.nhgrassdrags.com