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Sled dog races coming to Sleepy Hollow State Park
Mid-Union Sled Haulers and Sleepy Hollow State Park will co-host the annual Sleepy Hollow Sled Dog Races Feb. 1-2 at Sleepy Hollow State Park.
The Mid-Union Sled Haulers are a non-profit, family recreational sled dog organization. Their sleds are made of white ash, hickory or birch, lashed with rawhide or nylon at the joints to insure flexibility. Sleds measure nearly 8 ft. long and weigh less than 40 lbs. The dogs are driven by voice commands from the driver with the entire race depending on the intelligence and obedience of the team, particularly the lead dog. Last year, more than 100 teams competed in the two-day event.
Races begin Saturday at 11 a.m. and continue every hour until 2:30 p.m. Spectators should park at the beach parking lot to witness this spectacular winter event. The first race begins with three-dog sled teams, each running individual-timed races for the fastest time. Saturday’s races also will include five-dog sled teams and seven-dog teams.
Sunday’s events begin at 10 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. Additional events include ski-joring (individual on cross country skis tethered to a sled dog), weight pull, one-dog & mid-distance races. All races and events are weather-dependent and could be cancelled for lack of snow or the icy trails.
Mid-Union Sled Haulers and the park ask that all pets remain on leashes and out of the race area, to help ensure the safety of the sled dogs and spectators. All vehicles entering the park must have a state park permit. 2003 annual permits are $20.00 each or you can purchase a daily pass for $4.00.
Source: MDNR |