Husky News

When the 25th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon comes to town this weekend, it brings with it a slew of events for those of us who aren’t trail-bound.Many of the events are free or cost only a nominal fee, but some are outdoors, so make sure you dress warmly. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know to be a Beargrease spectator.

– The opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beargrease will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Grandma’s Sports Garden, 425 Lake Ave. S. Admission is free, but the spaghetti buffet is $15.

Suzanne Avello, a member of the Beargrease’s board of directors, said the race’s 80 or so mushers will get their bibs at the ceremony. Bib numbers are important because they indicate the mushers’ starting positions. Most don’t want to be the first out of the chute because dogs perform better when chasing other teams.

“You don’t want to be the first one because everyone’s trying to be you,” she said. “Your dogs will be more motivated in the back.”

There will also be Ojibwe drummers and a peace pipe ceremony at the event.

– Starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, 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. The public is invited to observe. There is no fee for the vet check, which concludes at 1:30 p.m.

– Puppies from around the Duluth area will try to draw the most “awws” at the Cutest Puppy Contest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fitger’s Brewery Complex, 600 E. Superior St.

“The puppies come from the general public,” Avello said. “Sometime you’ll find a breeder in there, but mostly it’s the little girl next door with her cute new puppy.”

Avello said there will be about 25 puppies in the contest. In the past, judges have seen everything from Chihuahuas to Newfoundlands.

“They’re all cute,” Avello said. “There are no not-cute puppies.”

– 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.

The menu for the evening includes beef tenderloin or pesto pasta, salad, wine and dessert. There will be a silent auction featuring an original piece of artwork by local artist Adu Gindy, among other items.

Tickets for the event are $45 and should be reserved by today. Call 722-7631 or visit beargrease.com to make reservations.

– 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.

– According to dogsledding lore, a red lantern was always 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, where the race ends.

– 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, 11 E. Superior St. Tickets to the event are $25. Mushers receive their awards at the brunch.

Race etiquette

– “First of all, don’t bring your own dog to the race,” Beargrease board member Suzanne Avello said. “It’s just not a good idea.” Pets might transmit diseases to race dogs or rile them up, she said.

– It’s always a good idea to ask before you pet a sled dog. “Some of the sled dogs are friendly and love to be petted … but you should ask the musher before you approach their dogs,” Avello said.

– Spectators are asked not to bring their own food. Vendors will have popcorn, brats and hot chocolate.

Source: Duluth News Tribune