Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As the Copper Country’s signature dogsled race quickly approaches, a large orchestrated event like the CopperDog 150 would not be possible without help of its citizens and that’s why volunteers are being accepted.
Each year the efforts of nearly 500 people make the weekend spectator sport possible bringing thousands to downtown Calumet.
“None of us really have any idea how to run a sled dog race, but all we we’re trying to do was to get the whole community together for one common goal which happens to be this sled dog thing and that seems to work out pretty well. We’ve got almost every community involved in the Keweenaw,” said Race Director Jeff Foss.
While each of those communities are getting ready for the upcoming event, preparations for the annual late winter dogsled race require many helping hands.“We are in need of a few more folks at some crossings,” said Volunteer Director Krissy Kovachich.
From crosswalk guards to dog handlers, Kovachich says there’s many openings for volunteers both in and outdoors, and volunteer shifts are divided into time blocks, allowing for variety.
Other positions in need of filling include checkpoint workers, who account for the mushers and sled team while out on the trail. Kovachich said, “We need people to help with setup in Calumet, too–the fencing setup. The more folks we have to help with setup, the quicker they can get out of there.”
Krissy has been a volunteer herself since organization of the CopperdDog 150 ten years ago and says that volunteering for the race gives an opportunity for direct involvement with the sport that she would not have received as a spectator.“The dog handling is tough, especially at the start. You’d better be in shape for that because those dogs want to go,” said Kovachich.
Volunteer registration can occur at copperdog150.com with training scheduled to begin on February 23rd. Kovachich said, “And there will be a couple of dog teams that are there. So if you haven’t dog handled before, I totally recommend coming to learn how to dog handle, and they’ll also give information on what to do at crossings.”
