Submitted photos.
As many as 75 dog sled teams will compete in and around Kearney, near Algonquin Park, at the 21st Anniversary Dog Sled Races on Saturday February 7th and Sunday February 8th.
Kearney, population 800, has long hosted Ontario’s biggest annual dog sled competition, which is sanctioned by the Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports.
Kearney is nestled in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands on the western edge of Algonquin Park, 45 minutes south of North Bay on Hwy 518E, just 8 km east of Hwy 11.
The population of the picturesque town triples every February as dog sledders and spectators from across North America come to enjoy this Canadian tradition in beautiful winter terrain.
Participants from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and the northern United States will mush along the snowy trails throughout Kearney and along the western edge of Algonquin Park.
Races include 4 and 6 dog sprints, 1 and 2 dog ski-joring events, the ever popular Kid and Mutt race for junior mushers, and the all new mid-distance, 2-day, 100 mile Stage Race.
In a Stage Race format, mushers can utilize 10 dogs at a time from a pre-set 12 dog pool, running 50 miles each day.
Festivities start Friday evening, February 6th with a family skate and bonfire with free hot dogs and hot chocolate at the Kearney Lions Park and conclude Sunday at 4:00 with a lasagna dinner during prize presentations.
Further details: http://Further details at http://www.kearneydogsledraces.ca,