Contact: Kelley Linehan
Phone: (800) 447-4094
Email: kelley@bayfield.org
Voluntourist opportunities available at Bayfield’s 19th annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race
The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce is now accepting registrations for the 2014 Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race Voluntourism Package.
Apostle Islands Sled Dog RaceOver 100 volunteers are needed every year to assist with Bayfield’s Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, and 2014 will be no exception. “Volunteers are vital to the success of the race,” says Volunteer Coordinator Janel Ryan, who has been involved in the race for over a decade. “They are adored by the mushers, and many say it’s the most fun they’ve ever had in the winter.” While over half of these volunteers come in the form of dedicated race lovers who live locally, the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau also recruits volunteers nationwide with its Sled Dog Voluntourism package. Voluntourism encompasses an ever-growing trend where vacationers combine traditional travel with volunteer work.
Apostle Islands Sled Dog RaceThe Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race is finding great success with this emerging desire of tourists to “do good” while having fun. The weekend package includes two or three nights lodging, 3 meals, and ample time helping out at the races. Participants have the option to choose from different styles of lodging facilities and decide which volunteer positions are right for them. While many want to work hands-on with the sled dogs, voluntourists can also opt to be a check-point volunteer, a chute handler, or assist with less physical duties. For many, helping Bayfield and the surrounding communities with the largest sled dog race in the Midwest is the experience of a lifetime.
Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race by Look! Look! PhotographyThe 19th annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 1st and 2nd, 2014, and includes an 80-mile race for 10-dog teams, a 60-mile race for 6-dog teams and a 40-mile Sportsman’s race. The schedule also includes a Family Recreation Run on Saturday, which is open to all ages, and an exclusive 16 and under Youth Race on Sunday. Each year approximately 65 teams from throughout the country participate in this event. The races begin and end 12 miles north of Bayfield at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit on Highway 13, starting at 10:00am each day.
For more information about the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, volunteer opportunities or the 2014 Voluntourism package in Bayfield, visit bayfield.org or call (800) 447-4094.
Feel the excitement! Follow all the action by “liking” the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race event page on Facebook and view the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race video on the Bayfield Chamber’s YouTube channel.
