Jackson Hole is harnessing up for the annual International Stage Stop Dog Sled Race (ISSDSR) and Winter Carnival, with festivities beginning January 27. The race, which begins in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and runs to Park City, Utah, lasts eight days and includes exciting activities to send the mushers on their way.
The ISSDSR was started in 1996 by Frank Teasley who still serves as race director. His goal was to give the public an opportunity to view sled racing first-hand, and to focus attention on the beautiful Wyoming landscape. He succeeded at both endeavors, and the race has been a winter highlight for more than a decade.
The dog sled race has also been beneficial in educating the public concerning vaccinations for children, with some of the activities and proceeds supporting medical programs for the youth along the route.
The public is invited to savor the pre-race excitement at Jackson's Town Square on January 28. Here the Winter Carnival will host a pig roast and music, running from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun, while the mushers and sled dogs prepare for their run.
At 6:30 p.m., the mushers and their dog teams will begin the eight-day challenge, taking off from Town Square. A large screen television erected in the square will give the public a clear view of the dog sled teams zipping across the stage one starting line on opening day.
The mushers will race two miles to the Snow King Resort, nestled at the foot of Snow King Mountain. There they will be welcomed at a free reception party where the public can mingle with the mushers. The event includes food, beverages, music, and fun from 7:00 until 9:30 p.m. A parade and fireworks extravaganza at the base of the mountain will wow viewers at 8:00 p.m.
On Saturday the mushers will set off toward Lander for stage two of their run, continuing over a week until they arrive at the finish line in Park City, Utah. Meanwhile, the Winter Carnival will continue through the weekend with guided snowshoe hikes at Grand Teton National Park, activities at the National Museum of Wildlife, and events at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Everyone is welcome at the International Stage Stop Dog Sled Race (ISSDSR) and Winter Carnival. Bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and come on down to Jackson Hole's Town Square for an exciting experience!
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