DOWAGIAC — Mid-Union Sled Haulers, known best for its promotion of sled dog racing as a fun, family activity, will be among the featured attractions of Dowagiac’s Ice Time Festival this Saturday.

Kris Soenen, festival chairman, said she is thrilled to bring this new event to Dowagiac, where most residents in southwestern Michigan have not experienced this winter sport. 

“Mushing and sled hauling is a winter activity that is alive and well in Michigan, in both the upper and lower peninsulas, and locally at Fort Custer State Recreational Area, located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek,” she said.

Now in its 22nd year, the winter arts festival of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce has been profiled as one of the many creative ways communities across the nation celebrate the bone-chilling months of winter. 

Mid-Union Sled Haulers, also known as MUSH, is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to dog sledding on an amateur basis.  A meet and greet, featuring Robin Hummel Clark, of Battle Creek, and her sled dogs, will be from 10 to 3 p.m. on Beeson Street, where families can get a first-hand look at the dogs and equipment used for sled dog hauling.

“Sled dog racing is one of North America’s oldest winter sports,” Clark said.  “Our races and training sessions are held in various locations throughout Michigan.  In September, we start training for race season, which gets underway in January.  The cooler temperatures in fall provide an ideal time to optimize the dog’s physical condition, as we also build on team commands.”

“The dogs of today’s racing reams are true athletes, which share an incredible bond with their driver,” Clark said. Arctic breeds, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies are frequently used in sled dog racing.  Other breeds and crossbreeds are common, such as the Alaskan Husky and the Euro hound, which is a mix of a German short-haired Pointer, English Pointer and Greyhound.

Most dogs range in size from 40 to 60 pounds and are kept at an optimal, healthy weight.  Clark said drivers favor even-tempered animals that are gentle and able to stand the pressure of rigorous training.

“Dog sledding is the most easily identifiable form of our sport,” Clark said.  “Mushing requires a team of well-behaved social athletes, who relish performing with like-minded canines.  Most teams are comprised of two to 16 or more dogs.  The 100-yard dash is a race specifically held for our up-and-coming generation of mushers.”

Mid-Union Sled Hauler’s appearance at Ice Time was underwritten by this year’s corporate sponsors, which included: Clark Chapel / Starks Family Funeral Home, Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union, Dowagiac Family Dentistry, Dowsett Chiropractic Health Center, Lyons Industries and SEMCO.

Ice carving gets underway by 8 a.m. Saturday, as single-block sculptures are created along Front Street.  The highlight of the festival is the timed competition at Beckwith Park at noon.

Returning events feature the Chili Crawl, Lil Chippers Outside Game Area, the popular Timber Sport Exhibition, Frozen Fish Toss Open Competition, the Hot Spot featuring a bonfire & S’mores, Carvers’ Cave with demos by Fruitbelt Woodcarvers and the Snowball Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac.

Select specialty shops will hold winter clearance sales, with in-store events being held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Dowagiac Area History Museum, Dowagiac District Library and Who Knew? Consignment.

For a full schedule of events, visit DowagiacChamber.com or the Chamber on Facebook.