Chemult, Ore. –The infectious enthusiasm and energy of sled dogs will be seen and heard by young and old spectators alike on January 15 and 16. This year’s Annual Chemult Sled Dog Races is particularly special as it marks 50 years of sled dog racing in Oregon. 
“This free event is a great opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of competitive sled dog racing and Skijoring, which are popular winter sports,” said Erin Sutton, a race organizer for the event. “Mushers from as far away as Arizona, Michigan and British Columbia have competed in this annual event.”
Races will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day and conclude sometime around mid-afternoon at the Walt Haring Sno-Park. The schedule consists of six sled dog races and two Skijoring races (cross-country skier pulled by 1-2 dogs). Walt Haring Sno-Park is
located one-quarter mile north of Chemult, Ore., on Highway 97. Chemult is approximately one and a half hours from Bend, Ore., and Klamath Falls, Ore.
During the sled dog events, Sno-Park permits are required. However, some permits will be available at the Walt Haring Sno-Park warming shelter. Oregon, Washington and California Sno-Park permits are all acceptable. Plan ahead and obtain your permit in advance. Due to limited space at the Sno-Park, spectators are asked to use the Walt Haring Sno-Park’s north parking lot. People attending the races are asked to leave all domestic pets at home. Anyone who wishes to watch the races from a vantage point along the trail is encouraged to bring
snowshoes or cross-country skis. Toilet facilities and a concession stand will be available at the Sno-Park.
Saturday, Jan 15
• In addition to the sled and Skijoring races, children ages 5-12, are welcome to participate in a just-for-fun peewee race (a short trip on a sled pulled by a single dog) or a snowman building contest (11 a.m.-1 p.m.).
• Silent auction items will be available for bid during the day at the warming shelter and at Loree’s Chalet on Saturday evening. Sweatshirts and t-shirts will also be available for purchase.
• Loree’s Chalet will serve dinner specials from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 16
• While the races continue, silent auction items will be available during the day at the Sno-Park warming shelter and conclude when the races end that day.
• An awards ceremony will take place at the warming shelter after the last race. The Chemult Sled Dog Races, one of southern Oregon’s premier wintertime sporting events, is organized and managed by the Chemult Sled Dog Races Association. The association is supported by the Pacific Sled Dog and Skijoring Association, Chemult Mountain Trail Riders Snowmobile Club, Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Klamath
County Search and Rescue, Fremont-Winema National Forests’ Chemult Ranger District and local volunteers. Races are conducted under a Fremont-Winema National Forests special use permit.
Since the winter of 1994, the community of Chemult has hosted this event utilizing the trail system on the Fremont-Winema National Forest and Walt Haring Sno-Park.
For more information about the races, contact Erin Sutton at (541) 408-5729 or
erinkobza@yahoo.com or Polly Riley at (541) 593-9884 or plriley@ici-web.com.

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