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Monday, November 29, 2010

Portage Library to host dog sledding program

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to think snow for a dog sledding program at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, with longtime musher Tom Bauer.

In "Mushing in the U.P.: A Family Experience," Bauer will describe the history of dog sledding and introduce members of his immediate mushing family, including a couple of their dogs. He will present a slide show that portrays a year in the somewhat unusual lifestyle of a musher, and he will show several mushing-related websites.

Participants will learn about local sled dog races and events including Beargrease, the UP 200, and Copper Dog as well as the Iditarod. They will also have an opportunity to handle dog sledding equipment and racing gear. If there is enough snow, Bauer will give dog sled rides or demonstrate skijoring or boardjoring.

Bauer has been training and racing dogs for over 20 years and participates in numerous races. He placed in the top 10 of the first UP 200 race in 1990 and is planning to run the Iditarod in 2012. He owns Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures and offers rides, tours, group events, and year round wilderness camping with sled dogs. He is a strong supporter of youth who want to learn mushing skills and participate in sled dog races and events.

All library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

To see photos of Bauer's dogs, visit his Web site.

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