Siberian Husky Rescue Hosts Winterfest Event

By Jeaneane Payne

The Siberian Husky rescue will be hosting its fifth annual Winterfest event on January 14 in Bristol, Virginia. The event features teams of sled dogs and a FUNRUN demo.

This year new entertainment will include working dog demonstrations and Southern Fire Cloggers. Also, vendors will be set up inside a heated pavilion with a blazing fireplace.

For the first time, the event will offer sled dog rides to children ages 6 to 12 for a $5 donation. Additionally, the rescue's new Junior Rescue division will hold a Doggy Jacket contest.

The activities will take place this year at Sugar Hollow Park, 3600 Lee Highway, Bristol VA (off exit 7). In previous years, the event had been held on the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus VA.

The sled dogs will begin the event as they take off on a demonstration loop at 11:00 a.m. At 11:30 a Walk for Spay/Neuter/Adoption will take place that will give people a nice tote bag of thank you items and ticket to win one of many door prizes for a $20.00 entry fee for the walk (fundraiser).

Following the walk, activities will turn to the pavilion where the Cloggers will perform and and dog jacket contest will take place. Categories for the dog jacket contest include most beautiful, handsome, funny, and unusual. A $1.00 entry fee goes to help the Junior Rescue division.

Visitors may get warm and visit the many booths set up inside and outside of the pavilion.

A "Spay-getti Dinner" begins at 5:00 that will help the rescue and their Community Spay-Neuter division with fundraising. Cost for the dinner is $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 12 and under. There will also be live 70's and 80's music by the band "Bad Influence" and two guest speakers, Animal Behaviorist Dr. Beth Strickler, and Jennifer Levy Musher and handler for Iditarod Musher Hugh Neff. There will also be a silent auction set up at the dinner.

Take exit 7 turn west to Lee Highway and bear right. The park entrance is between the 3rd and 4th traffic light on the left.

For more information, please visit www.siberianhuskyassist.com.

Published January 2, 2012