Jackson,
Wyoming—January 28, 2005—For the first time in its ten-year
history, the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race
(IPSSSDR) began in the evening, with teams running beneath
the antler arches of Jackson’s historic Town Square. Teams
from the U.S., Canada, and Switzerland left the starting
line in two-minute intervals, with Wyoming Governor Dave
Freudenthal driving the first team, followed by Jackson
Mayor Mark Barron.
Teams
raced through the crowd-lined streets on the three-mile
course to Snow King Resort where the Jackson Hole Winter
Carnival staged a celebration complete with torchlight
parade, dancing, and fireworks.
Following
the Jackson stage, teams will continue to Lander, Pinedale,
Alpine, Kemmerer/Diamondville, Evanston, and Lyman/Mountain
View before arriving in Park City for the final stage and
awards ceremony on February 5.
With its
unique “stage stop” racing format, the IPSSSDR stops in a
different community each night. Wyoming’s host towns offer
festivities for mushers and spectators alike, including
pancake feeds, dog parades, banquets, carnivals and snow
shoe softball.
Pedigree®
Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The
Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs
that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the
contributions dogs make to society.
The
International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded
in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more
accessible to the public. For a complete schedule, visit the
race Website at
www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at
wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at (307)
734-1163.
