Safety, resilience take the lead at the annual UP200

The 2023 edition of the UP200 was cancelled due to weather concerns, but a winter festival was created in its place. Photo courtesy, Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association (UPSDA).

For first time, organizer cancels dog races, creates festival

Feb. 22, 2023

There were plenty of activities at the recent UP200, though the renowned dog races weren’t among them.

For the first time in the event’s 33-year history, the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association (UPSDA)on Feb. 15 announced cancellation of the races over concern for the safety of mushers and dogs, volunteers, and spectators due to deteriorating weather conditions.

“Safety is our top priority,” said Darlene Walch, UPSDA president, in a statement. “Given the overnight rain, the impending flash freeze and the lack of snow in this week’s forecast, it would be irresponsible to encourage mushers, volunteers and spectators to be on the trail this weekend. We will make the best of a difficult situation.”

 

“The new event demonstrated the flexibility and resilience of organizers . . . the community really embraced the festival.”

—Anna Mooney, an Enbridge government relations manager, shown here with daughters Margo and Elizabeth during festivities in Marquette

Other than the dog races, guests still had plenty to enjoy. The streets had enough snow for sledding, with ample food, drinks and music available to event-goers.

“We are proud of UPSDA for putting safety first,” said Anna Mooney, a government relations manager for Enbridge, a UP200 sponsor.

“Every day, the region benefits from the safety measures we use to help ensure Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac can transport safely the energy and fuel on which Michigan relies. Much like the UPSDA has done in making safety a priority, we walk the talk.”

The dog races initially were scheduled for Feb. 17. The “Festival of the Sled Dog Powered by Northern Michigan University” replaced the races Friday night.

“The new event demonstrated the flexibility and resilience of organizers, as they were able to quickly pivot to a new format,” said Mooney. “The community really embraced the festival. It was a lot of fun.”

In downtown Marquette, some streets were closed, filled with snow and dog sledding demonstrations for the people who attended.