A musher readies his sled for the six dog race in Crutwell in January 2020. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

MUSH!!!!

Dog sled races return to Crutwell this weekend

Jan 7, 2023 | 10:00 AM

Dog sled racers and fans of all ages will come together in the Hamlet of Crutwell this weekend for the first time in quite a while.

The community is hosting its annual dog sled races Saturday and Sunday, welcoming competitors from across the country.

“They come in from all over the place. We’ll have mushers from Alberta to Manitoba,” said Dave Rondeau with Crutwell 66.

He added this competition is special, given the last two years were put on hold because of COVID concerns and restrictions.

“I feel that folks are really looking to breathe life back into community events like this,” Rondeau said. “Sometimes you have to lose something for a little while before you realize what you’ve lost.”

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Rondeau goes on to say dog sleds were the primary mode of transportation during the fur trade era and that continuing that tradition has become a great pastime for the community.

“It’s such a traditional event, especially for the Metis and First Nations competitors and it’s such a big part of our culture.”

The top prize for the race is not a large amount, but Rondeau said that doesn’t matter as the competitors taking part just love to be out on the sleds. He said that’s what makes smaller competitions like this one special.

The weekend will also feature the Best Bannock in the Land competition on Saturday, with a group from the University of Saskatchewan coming to judge.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock