Many locals and visitors alike look forward to outdoor activities each winter, and with the colder weather and snow we received Mother Nature has been smiling on the Northwoods. Our Snowmobile trails opened, folks have been cross country skiing, ice anglers are catching fish and even local businesses will say it’s been so much better than the last two years.

We all look forward to different winter events, but one of my favorites has to be the 3 BEAR SLED DOG RACES in Land O Lake (4331 County Rd B) For over 40 years this 3 BEAR SLED DOG RACES in Land O Lakes has been a long tradition and if you have never been to these sled dog races, you are missing out on an opportunity the whole family would enjoy. There are 2, 4, 6 and 8 SLED DOG TEAMS along with KIDS Mutt RACES and SKIJORING. (more on skijoring another week).

SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWED.
Saturday February 7th SLED DOG RACES start at 10AM. KIDS MUTT RACES at 11AM and the MUSHERS BALL (located at GATEWAY LODGE) starts 8PM.
Sunday February 8th SLED DOG RACES at 9AM and the KIDS MUTT RACES at 11:30AM

The 3 Bear Sled Dog race is not only well known in Wisconsin, but there will be professional mushers from Michigan and Minnesota also. In years past, because this sled dog rase is considered one of the premier races in the Midwest, it attracted mushers from all over the Mid-West including mushers from Alaska, Canada and even Germany.

The event starts when you exit your vehicle and hear a few dogs barking with excitement. Then you can’t help but see and feel the enthusiasm of the participants (human and animals) as you walk through what is called THE MUSHERS VILLAGE. When you are walking around this village you might hear a couple of dogs barking, but the majority are quietly laying down on pile of straw.

As the race time nears, the sleds are put in position, and the harnesses are attached to the dogs, and this is when everything comes to life. It is amazing how excited the dogs you just saw a few minutes ago know it’s time to perform. When the sleds and dogs are being walked towards the starting line, you will notice the get closer they get, the person guiding them definitely has their hands full controlling these animals that have trained for this moment.

At this point the spectators gather alongside the starting line and wait for the release of the first team to take off and the races begin. As the countdown starts, you can’t help but feel the intensity of these dogs jumping and barking. But once the starter (BRIAN) pulls the brake tether the barking stops and paws are digging into the track. While some folks will continue to watch each team leave, others will line up along the finish line to see these amazing sled dogs finish the timed race.

Mother Nature came through this year so we can attend what I believe is the 45th year of THE 3 BEAR SLED DOG RACES.

I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to the volunteers and other local groups for their help organizing and the role they play during this event.