Dear ECTA Friends and Supporters, It is with great disappointment that we announce that the Friends of the New England Sled Dog Races, Inc. have been forced to cancel the 2013 New England Sled Dog Races. Despite the few inches of snow we received last night, there is not enough of a snow base to create the sled dog course. Many have asked about the possibility of a rig race, an event where mushers race with wheeled rigs. Although the mushers do train with wheeled rigs in the off-season, at this point in the year they are training solely for snow, and the current course at Appleton Farms would not be appropriate for a rig race.
We hope that you were able to attend one of the special events associated with races. The Pre-Race Party, sponsored by Salem Five Bank, offered a unique opportunity to meet some of the mushers and special guests, participate in a live auction and raffle of fantastic items donated by local businesses and sled dog enthusiasts, and hear wonderful bluegrass music performed by The Sturdy Oak at the Appleton Farms historic farmhouse. Adventurer, musher and whale detective Shelley Gill gave outstanding presentations at both local schools and at the Hamilton-Wenham Community Center. Her tales of life in Alaska, travels to Antarctica, whale research and observations on the rapidly changing conditions of wildlife in the polar regions were fascinating to listeners of all ages. ECTA’s volunteer orientation provided an introduction to sled dog races and mushing to all who attended.
We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and enthusiasm for the New England Sled Dog Races. Although the races were unable to occur, the mission of the Friends of the New England Sled Dog Races, Inc. will still be carried out. Proceeds raised from sponsorships, advertisements, the Pre-Race Party and T-shirt sales will be donated to The Trustees of Reservations, Essex County Trail Association, Essex County Greenbelt Association, and the MSPCA.
The retailers below offer ECTA members great discounts on goods and services.
Farm Bar and Grille
Ipswich Inn
Wenham Sports Stop
Zumi’s Coffee Shop
First Light Anglers
Pinnacle Bikes
New England Running Co
Green Elephant Toys
Grassy Roots
True North Gallery
North Shore Dressage
