Going to the dogs
FOXBURG — A big event of WinterFest planned for Feb. 4 at RiverStone Farm will be the sled dog fun race.
The gates will open at 9:30 a.m. Race events begin at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of various dog breeds, types of sleds, and an explanation of the race showing the course layout and rules.
Demonstrations of the “mushing” equipment, dog team protocol and mush commands will be included. There will also be an introduction of the mushers.
At 11 a.m. a solo skijoring exhibition (dogs pulling a single musher who is on skis) is scheduled and then the first teams push off for the main event, the dog sled relay race.
At least eight teams will be divided into two relay teams. The red and blue teams will each send off one team at a time to race the two mile course. Medals will be presented to the mushers.
A sled dog weight pulling demonstration will follow the relay race and end the day’s dog-related activities.
If snow conditions permit, horse drawn sleigh and bobsled rides will be available for a fee during the afternoon.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate with pastries will be sold.
There must be at least 2 inches of snow on the ground or conditions suitable for packed snow on the course for the event to go on. There is no date to reschedule.
Gate admission is free, as is parking. For more information, call 412-867-1816 or visit www.GoFoxburg.com.
