• Wednesday-What'sUP February 13 - 10:47 pm

Kathie Murto has a great collection in the Guest Gallery, shots of last year's U.P. 200 - the premier dog race here in the Midwest. And they're about to do it all again this weekend! This morning at 9 a.m. festivities kick off with a silent auction at Holiday Inn in Marquette.

Edie and I happen to be traveling to Marquette today from the Copper Country, and it looks like we should have smooth sailing. Good weather for the last of the Valentine pasty orders to ship this afternoon, to delight sweethearts all across the US with a delicious U.P. style meal tomorrow. Just thinking about it makes me hungry for one of Pasty Central's breakfast pasties, which have been hot sellers this year. In fact, this has been our biggest Valentine's week ever, if you've been watching the pasty counter on the home page.

But I digress... we were talking about Dog Sled races. If you want to know more, check out the Midnight Run (91 miles, beginning 6pm on Friday), the Jack Pine 30, and the U.P. 200 - a qualifying race for Iditarod - at their website.

When did the U.P. 200 become a qualifying race for the Iditarod? How long has organized dog sled racing existed in the U.P.? Thanks.

Here is a link for some history about dogsled racing in the U.P.

Where are their dog booties?

Charlie, I imagine many of the dogs, after a good race, like to kick back and enjoy one of those pasty central pasties.

The Dog races are awesome, but one festival that goes unmentioned is the Pine Mountain, International Ski Jump competition in Iron Mountain, which is also worth seeing. It's an all day event at Pine Mountain. People pull up their trucks and tailgate while they watch the most daring competition. The event begins this Saturday.

Being from northern Minnesota I might beg to differ with you about the premier sled dog race in the Midwest. We might contend that the John Beargrease Race on the north shore of Lake Superior is the premier event in the Midwest. I think many of the people who participate in the UP 200 also do the Beargrease as well. My two favorite places in the world, northern Minnesota and the da UP. Stuck in Ohio though at the moment! We have snow though, a whole four inches. Be still my beating heart!

I wonder if the ski jumping will be on TV?

I'd like to be at that Citgo in my town, chewin the fat with those guys and their dogs! I'll live in Marquette for good one day!

Uncle Chuck,

Me too! I don't live too far, but Marquette is my dream town. I lived there for 4 years and can't wait to make my way back someday.

Ditto.