Husky News

Events:

Today

* Starting at 7 a.m., 14 veterinarians will give each of the 600 dogs a once-over before the race begins to make sure they’re in racing shape. The vet checks take place in the parking lot behind the Sports Garden. Members of the public are invited to observe. There is no fee for the vet check, which concludes at 1:30 p.m.

* The cutest puppies from around the Duluth area will try to draw the most “awws” at the Cutest Puppy Contest, noon to 2 p.m at the Fitger’s Brewery Complex, 600 E. Superior St.

* News Tribune outdoors writer Sam Cook will speak about his dogsledding adventures at the Gala Dinner from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at the Inn on Lake Superior, 350 Canal Park Drive.

Tickets for the event, which includes a silent auction, are $45 and were to have been reserved by Friday. Call 722-7631.

Sunday

* The race begins at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ordean Middle School, 301 N. 40th Ave. E. The gates open at 11 a.m. and admission is $2.

Wednesday

* According to dogsledding lore, a red lantern always was left for the last musher on the trail so he could use it to find his way home, Avello said.

With that in mind, the Beargrease hosts a Red Lantern Party at Billy’s Bar, 3502 W. Tischer Road.

THURSDAY

* The 25th running of the Beargrease concludes with the Marathon Musher’s Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Northland Country Club, 3901 E. Superior St. Tickets to the event are $25. Mushers receive their awards at the brunch.

Prepare: Street cosures, detours, traffic delays and parking restrictions

The Duluth Police Department reminds motorists of the following street closures, detours, traffic delays and parking restrictions that will happen Sunday in connection with the start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race.

Street closures and detours:

* Superior Street, between 36th and 40th Avenues East, will be closed to through traffic starting at 10 a.m. Traffic will be detoured to London Road. The suggested route for quicker access from Superior Street to London Road is 26th Avenue East; motorists using 36th Avenue East may experience long delays.

* Duluth Transit Authority buses will detour from Superior Street to London Road between 36th and 43rd Avenues East during the event.

Traffic delays for team crossings:

* Jean Duluth Road at the Amity crossing.

* Glenwood Street from Skyline Parkway to Jean Duluth Road.

Parking restrictions:

* Ordean Middle School parking lot will be restricted to musher vehicles, race officials, support staff and volunteers after 9 a.m.

* 40th Avenue East, adjacent to Ordean Middle School, will be closed to parking on the even side to help with traffic congestion on the avenue.

* Throughout the Ordean neighborhood, residential streets will be posted to allow parking on only one side of the street.

* Skyline Parkway will be posted for no parking on either side between Glenwood Street and Hawks Ridge.

Parking restrictions will be in effect until about 6 p.m. Roadways should reopen to normal traffic after 6 p.m.

Source: Duluth News Tribune