Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race brings "Voluntourism" to Bayfield

Over 100 volunteers are needed every year to assist with Bayfield's Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, and 2011 will be no exception. While over half of these volunteers come in the form of dedicated race lovers who live locally, the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau also recruits volunteers nationwide with it's Sled Dog "Voluntourism" package. The term "voluntourism" is one that many haven't heard, but encompasses a growing trend where vacationers combine traditional travel with volunteer work.

Bayfield's annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race is finding great success with this emerging desire of tourists to "do good" while having fun. Last year, the chamber had 36 "voluntourists" sign up to participate in this unique program. This year's voluntourism package includes two or three nights lodging, 4 meals, and ample time helping out at the races. Participants have the option to choose from different styles of lodging facilities and decide which volunteer positions are right for them. While many want to work hands on with the sled dogs, voluntourists can also opt to be a check-point volunteer, a chute handler, or assist with timing. For many, helping Bayfield and the surrounding communities with one of the largest sled dog races in the country is the experience of a lifetime.

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau is also seeking help from local and regional residents alike. If you have visited the race as an onlooker and wish to be more involved, we will find a volunteer job for you! Some of the areas in which help is needed are set-up and take-down of the parking area and chute, trail grooming, dog handlers and chute handlers, and experienced volunteers to hook dog teams to the cables at the start of the race. Go to www.bayfield.org to download a Volunteer Sign Up form.

The 2011 races will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 5th and 6th, and include an 80-mile race for 8-dog teams, a 60-mile race for 6-dog teams and a 40-mile Sportsman's race. The schedule is slightly modified this year with a Family Rec Run on Saturday, which will be open to all ages, and an exclusive 16 and under Youth Race on Sunday. Each year nearly 60 teams participate in this event. The races begin and end 15 miles north of Bayfield at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit on Highway 13. Races begin at 10:00 am each day. John Thiel, an active race planner and participant for 16 years, and owner of Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing advises visitors; "Don't miss the start. The best thing about a sled dog race is that you can feel the excitement in the air! The dogs love it, the mushers love it, the volunteers love it and all that energy ignites the crowd." For more information on the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race and upcoming holiday events in Bayfield, visit www.bayfield.org or call (800)447-4094.