Race Day Activities
Dog Sled Race Events & Activities
There's lots happening on race day for mushers and visitors alike. Below is a list of some of the events that are scheduled for the weekend of the Kearney Dog Sled Races!
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Food & Beverages
The Kearney Royal Legion is home to Wendy's Kitchen where coffee will be on at 6:00am on race weekend. A delicious breakfast buffet will be open starting at 7am. Lunch specials will be on later in the day with grab-and-go options available. Dinner will be served on Saturday night where we will be having a prize draw for our mushers and handlers. Grab a cold one and join us for some fun after day 1 of racing!
Breakfast and lunch will continue to be available on Sunday at the Legion. Our Sunday Banquet Supper (starting at 4PM) will be the held at the Kearney Community Center. Mushers receive one free banquet meal ticket. Subsequent tickets for handlers or members of the public will be available for a fee at the door.
Kids Colouring Contest
There will be colouring sheets at the legion! Finish a page to be entered to win some prizes on Sunday. Please write an adult name and contact information on the back of the colouring sheet.
You MUST be able to pick up your prize on Sunday or have it picked up.
Souvenir Stand
We always have a wide variety of Kearney Dog Sled merch available inside of the Legion. Come and pick up a sweater, a t-shirt, or a stuffed husky to take home. Our branded souvenirs are proudly created by 2Beez Promotions.
Silent Auction
Come and check out our fantastic silent auction. Great items are available, donated by a wide variety of sponsors, our auction runs both Saturday and Sunday during Race weekend.
The auction will be open all day on Saturday, and through the morning on Sunday. The auction closes at 1:00pm SHARP on Sunday. Please be available to pick up any items you may win on Sunday afternoon. Cash payment ONLY. No items will be held without payment.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Races! - PLEASE leave pets at home
Our races are held beginning at 9:00 am starting across from the town Baseball diamond and the Kearney Legion - 56 Park St, Kearney.
In between race classes, please enjoy the dog yard where you may ask the mushers about their dogs, dog care, the classes they are running, and the history of their individual kennels. Please ask before petting any dog. Please also do not enter or touch any dog truck or trailer without expressed permission by the mushers for your and the dogs' safety. We want every spectator, musher, and furry friend to have the most positive experience possible for race weekend!
Pet-a-Pup Pitstop!
We will be hosting the “Pet-a-Pup Pitstop” at the entrance to our vendors market.
We think it's fair to say that most dogs love pets just as much as we love to pet them, however it is not always the right time to pet the dogs at a dog sled race. Mushers have lots of dog care and preparations to do throughout the weekend. Sometimes the dogs are too excited, too tired, or maybe even a little too shy of the crowds for pets.
That's why we will be asking mushers to sign up for "Pet a Pup Pitstop" time slots. Spectators can interact with the dogs and ask questions about their life as canine athletes. A specific location will be marked with times you can expect to see mushers and pooches ready for pets!
Scavenger Hunt
Pick up your first clue for the scavenger hunt at our souvenir's table and head off throughout the racing grounds to learn more about sled dog sports, mushing, and the history of our race. Have fun while you explore our dog yard. You might just find a prize for yourself at the end!
Market Place Vendors
Various vendors will be outdoors throughout the weekend on the back patio of the Legion. The entrance is to the far left of the main building.
We host a variety of vendors each year selling items ranging from apparel, jewelry, pet products, souvenirs, and more! Come and visit them at their tents and warm up by the bonfire.
Dog Sled Rides
Dog sled rides are a great family activity and will be provided by Abitibi Sled Dogs this year between 11:00am and 3:00pm both days of the race.
Children's rides $20
Adult rides $25
Tickets to be purchased at the Souvenirs table inside of the Legion. There are no time slots to be booked - first come first serve!
While you wait for your dog sled ride you can check out the hot tent and wood stove in the staging area. Jacob Betker of Abitibi Sled Dogs will have historical sled dog artifacts and information posted for learning. Sled dogs have been around for thousands of years!
Want to see more activities for kids?
Email us at info@kearneydogsledraces.ca to give your suggestions and feed back!
We offer a wide range of activities for our families to enjoy each year, all of which are managed by our wonderful volunteers who are passionate about making our event as fun and exciting as possible. Please make sure to thank them while you're having a good time!