Winter is in full force across the Copper Country. With 75 inches of snow already fallen this season, the team leading Copper Dog has started gearing up for the exciting sled dog race weekend.
On Friday, the volunteer portal officially opened, allowing the community to start signing up to fill close to 700 volunteer positions. Throughout the weekend, volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of roles. Some get right up close to the action.
Bag checkers will stop and check in with teams before they take off for the race on Friday night in Calumet, as well as before and after teams arrive to destinations over the three days. Another way to get to know the teams and help Copper Dog starts with dog handlers. The very physical job requires a steady hand and sharp ears to listen for commands at the starting gate.
The most abundant volunteer roles help teams cross roads and manage traffic throughout the route. Crossing guards keep teams and cars from crossing paths and need full teams to manage sites. Copper Dog organizers suggest local organizations, groups, businesses and families sign up to fill some of the larger road crossing sites. Do not bring young children to help at road crossings. Teenagers who can help with a shovel can volunteer.
Other ways to help out throughout the weekend include volunteering as timers, installing and removing snow fences and banners, and helping people cross the snow road on Friday night.
Those interested in signing up to volunteer for Copper Dog during Feb. 27 to March 1 can find more details at CopperDog.org.
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