Fur Rondy Sled Dog Races

The beginning of Fur Rondy - started yesterday and will continue through next weekend!  We volunteered with the sled dog races Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  At least it was warmer this year.  The dogs start right in the middle of downtown on 4th Ave. and finish there too.  We had to check this morning to see which dogs were being "dropped" - that is, they raced yesterday but weren't being raced today - and paint a yellow mark on their legs so that they can't be rested today and raced again tomorrow - once they're out, they're out!  No putting in a fresh team!

 That's Brian in his new red beaver fur hat -- bought just down the street, on the street, from the furrier that Judy bought hers from last year.  As the dogs come to the start line, we have to count them and check them against the clipboard - plus make sure each dog is marked for being in the race, ensuring against substitutions.  The dogs are excited and chomping at the bit at the start - it's fun to watch them!

Here's a shot of Brian and Judy's friend and colleague, Diane Hirshberg, checking dogs at the start - Judy's taking the picture - 10 degrees this morning - the sun was very welcome when it made it over to where we were standing -- and it was a beautiful day.  More snow forecast for tonight -- and fireworks tonight for Fur Rondy at 6:45 pm!  Great fireworks too!