FOXBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Foxburg Winterfest begins February 2 with their main attraction as the RiverStone Classic Sled Dog Races.

The RiverStone Classic, an International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA), is sanctioned by the Canadian-American Sledders, Inc.

Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, at RiverStone Farm on Foxview Road in Foxburg; the gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Sled Dog Races begins at 10:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

This is the first official sled dog race at RiverStone Farms; last year’s scheduled race was cancelled due to lack of snow.

Dog breeds participating in the race will mainly consist of Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, and other hound groups.

Butch Alworth, Race Organizer for Canadian American Sledders, tells exploreClarion, “The uniqueness of this event is witnessing sled dogs exhibiting what they were bred to do in their element.”

Alworth anticipates that most entries will come from Western PA, Eastern Ohio, upper New York State, and possibly Virginia.

Sled Dog Races will consist of 8 classes: 6 Dog Pro, 6 Dog Purebred (Siberian Huskies), 6 Dog Recreational, 4 Dog Pro, 4 Dog Purebred, 4 Dog Recreational, 2 Dog Junior, and 1-2 Dog Skijor.

The races will include the 6 dog-6 mile endurance, 4 dog–4 mile, 2 dog-2 miles junior and skijoring.

Medals and cash awards will be presented at the awards ceremony on Sunday after completion of the race.

Breakfast and lunch will be served inside the H-barns at the race site.

“Spectators will be able to see the strong bond between mushers and their team, the coordinated performance of the dogs as a team, and the demonstrated desire of the dogs to want to run,” explains Alworth. “I expect a large spectator turnout as this is a unique venue for our geographic area. I believe that the spectators will gain a greater appreciation and awareness of the sport of sled dog racing. I encourage people to come and witness this event so as to demonstrate their desire for an encore performance next year.”

Other activities planned at the farm include ice skating on the farm pond, snow tubing, and sled riding.

Weather permitting, horse drawn sleigh and bobsled rides will be available for a charge during the afternoon.