The Farmer’s Loop Sled Dog Race returns as World Cup Qualifier

Kelsey Klont
Editor

(Photo provided – Pictured L-R is H & H Racing Team: Matt Norton, Jess Norton, Samantha Wawiernia, Sawyer Wawiernia, Trevor Wawiernia) 

    The next best thing in Vermontville other than the Maple Syrup Festival? The Farmer’s Loop Sled Dog Race, of course! After its inaugural opening last year, it quickly became apparent that this fun filled event was the talk of the town. 

Happening this year on April 12 and 13, H&H Racing, hosts of the Farmer’s Loop, have brought even more fun to the event. This year the Farmer’s Loop is a World Cup Qualifier, the last of the season before the World Championship in Minocqua, Wisconsin in October. 

Teams competing at The Farmer’s Loop who are from the United States will be aiming for the chance to be on Team USA for the World Championship. Since this is a points race for Worlds, you can expect to see. competitors from Canada, Germany, and Mexico. The Farmer’s Loop Seld Dog Race is presented by Great Lakes Sled Dog Association (GLSDA) and sanctioned by International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA.)

This is more than a dog sled race; it truly is an event with campground sites available for overnight stays, a bake sale, potluck dinner, as well as a food truck serving up delicious food to enjoy while cheering on the race. The trail has been slightly modified since last year, to keep it fresh and full of surprises for any repeat competitors or spectators. 

After the race there will again be a sponsor race, a big hit, where the sponsors of the event race the mushers teams, making the community come together. 

The event is put on by Samantha Wawiernia and Jessica Norton, of H&H Racing, with the generous help and support of both their parents. Their dads, Ken Cowell and Mark Lawless, put in a lot of time and effort to making the changes to the track; and their moms, Sue Cowell and Vicki Lawless, put together the signs and flyers you will see around town. 

Since this race is in April and Michigan has gone without snow for some time it will be a dry land race. This type of race is fairly new in the long history of dog sled racing, having started 12 years ago. So be sure to make plans on April 12 and 13 to stop on out to The Farmer’s Loop Sled Dog Event happening in Vermontville, located at 7545 Brown Road. Registration is available and will close on April 4, to register you can find the link to register on their Facebook page, The Farmer’s Loop Sled Dog Race.