Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau
42 South Broad Street
P.O. Box 138
Bayfield, WI 54814


www.bayfield.org

Excellent snow conditions expected for Bayfield's Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race

If Bayfield's excellent snow conditions continue, mushers and spectators can expect a fabulous weekend of sled dog racing during the 16th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, February 5th and 6th, 2011. 65 sled dog teams, hailing from Michigan to Oregon are expected to participate in this year's competition, which features an 8-dog 80 mile race, 6-dog 60 mile race, and 40 mile Sportsman's Race in addition to a Family Run and Youth Race.

This year's event will showcase some exciting new offerings, including 4-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King as guest speaker. Jeff is a celebrity in the mushing realms, often recognized as the "Winningest Musher in the World." His presentation will take place at Saturday evening's Musher Mixer, featuring anecdotes from 30 years of dog-mushing in Alaska, experiences racing in the grueling Iditarod, and the unique relationship between musher and dog.

Another new feature in 2011 is the splitting of the 6-8 mile Family category into two separate runs. This year, Saturday's 6-8 mile event will be a Family Run, open to all ages, which allows young mushers-in-training to experience a competitive run amongst the teams of family and friends. Sunday's 6-8 mile event will be a Youth Race, open to ages 16 and under. This youth race is always a favorite with the crowd, as the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race draws an impressive group of up and coming mushers from throughout the region.

The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race welcomes the public and all are encouraged to come experience a bit of the energy that this exciting event exudes. Visitors will enjoy a warming tent with food from The Village Inn, bonfire, and multiple spectator locations for race viewing. For more information please contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau at 715-779-3335 or online at www.bayfield.org.

16th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race Schedule of Events:

Friday, February 4

• 6:00-7:00pm - "Meet the Mushers" Spaghetti Dinner (open to the public). Mingle with the Mushers at the Bayfield Pavilion and enjoy a hearty dinner by the Pier Plaza Restaurant while supporting the Apostle Islands Snowmobile Club. $10.00 per adult, $8.00 per child.
• 7:00pm - Mushers roll-call and meeting at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion

• 10:00am - Races begin at the Town of Bayfield gravel pit located approximately 12 miles north of Bayfield on Highway 13.
• 5:00pm - Musher Mixer at the Bayfield Inn with food by Victor G's. $8.00 per ticket, includes admission to Jeff King's presentation. RSVP at 715-779-3335. Race results will only be available at the Bayfield Inn.
• 6:00pm - Guest Speaker Jeff King

• 10:00am - Races begin at the Town of Bayfield gravel pit
• 4:00pm (Approx. time) - Awards presentation at the Northern Edge Restaurant

The 16th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race is sponsored by: The Bayfield Inn, Seagull Bay Motel, Silverwaves *Olas de Plata, Look! Look! Photography and Design, Wolfsong Wear, Northern Wisconsin Dog Mushers Association, Xcel Energy, Printing Plus/Screen Line, Pinehurst Inn, Winfield Inn & Gardens, Apostle Islands Booksellers, Bayfield Lions Club, Racey's Tasty Dog Biscuits, Superieur Petrol, Harbor View Lodging, Apostle Islands Realty, World Class Precision Products and Stone's Throw.

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