The Festival of the Sled Dog: Powered by Northern Michigan University is returning to downtown Marquette on Friday, Feb. 16, due to the second-straight cancelation of the UP200. Festivities will take place on Washington Street between Fourth and Front Streets, with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The race arch will be up and the streets filled with snow. Activities include sled dog demos, sledding, coloring and face painting for kids, live music and a silent auction. Merchandise will be available for sale as well.
NMU President Brock Tessman and his family will participate in a warm-up event at 7 p.m. at Trenary Toast Café. They will serve free hot chocolate, coffee and cinnamon rolls, with an appearance by Wildcat Willy. There will also be a hot chocolate tent for NMU alumni.
Note that the Marquette Downtown Social District will be active from 6-10 p.m. Consumption of alcohol in designated Social District areas will not be permitted after hours.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we pivot to a festival format," said Darlene Walch, president of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association, in a previous release. "This is a difficult decision to make after the months of work already put in by mushers, volunteers, sponsors and our board. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding and we hope to see you at Festival of the Sled Dog!”
For more information, visit UP200 Facebook.