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.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors, advertisers and auction/raffle donors listed below. Click here to view an online version of the 2013 program.
15 Walnut, Arm Cozies, Benevento’s Restaurant, Bill Cloutman, Calico Corners, Cami Beckman, Cape Ann Olive Oil, Daily Printing, Deb Hamilton, Depot Liquors, Diana Rockefeller, Doug Minster, Dr. Robert Blake, Dr. Sorrento, Eagle Pack Club, Elements Massage, Elizabeth Grady, EMS, Essex County Co-op, Get In Shape for Women, Giraud Studio, Gorton’s, Hamilton Wenham Veterinary, Henderson’s, Henderson’s Café, Hogan Tire, Intown Veterinary Group, Ipswich/Beverly Butcher Shop, Josh Lerner, Juliana Boyd, La Rouge Nail, Landvest, Leslie Priggen, Lighthouse Taxi, Mercury Brewing, New England Dragway, New England Trust, Not Your Average Joes, Parrot Equine Services, Parrot Productions, Patch.com, People’s United Bank, Pinkberry, REI, Sandy Clift, Salem Five Bank, Shops at 300 Main, Siberian Husky Club, Sports Authority, Sunbanque, The Bridge, The Landing Restaurant, The Sports Stop, The Weathervane Tavern, Therese Jordan, Townsend Oil, True North Gallery, Turkey Shore Distillery, Waters And Brown, Wellpet, Windward Grille
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