WALLOWA COUNTY — The Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race is Jan. 22–25 with many opportunities to experience Oregon’s only qualifier for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.

Pre-race activities start Wednesday, Jan. 22, with races beginning on Thursday, Jan. 23, and the final awards ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Race Central

Race Central will be open Wednesday through Saturday at the Joseph Community Center, 102 E. First St., to provide race information, hot drinks, treats and more. A special children’s corner will feature activities, books and events.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed for the race start) on Thursday and Friday.

Vet checks

Veterinarians will check all sled dogs on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in Enterprise, and at 1 p.m. in Joseph. Vets and mushers will be available for questions. Personal pets are not permitted.

Potluck

The musher potluck and program is Wednesday at the Joseph Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.

This is a chance to talk with mushers and their families, and mushers will draw for their race bib numbers during the event. Community members are asked to bring a dish to share.

The Race

The race starts Thursday at Ferguson Ridge Ski Area. A shuttle begins at 9:45 a.m. and races start at noon.

There are three races: 200 miles, 100 miles and 31 miles.

The starting line for all is at the ski area, located nine miles southeast of Joseph. The public is encouraged to cheer on the teams as they leave the chute.

Shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the start line where merchandise and concessions will be for sale. Again, no personal pets are permitted.

Salt Creek Summit Crossing is an alternative place to view racing teams on the trail. A Sno-Park Permit is required. Spectators will hike or ski a quarter mile from the parking area to the viewing site.

The awards ceremony will be Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Joseph Community Center. The public is encouraged to attend and hear the mushers share stories from the trail.

Eagle Cap Extreme welcomes volunteers from the community.

“We never turn a volunteer away,” said Michael Moore, board member and PR chairperson.

For more information, visit www.eaglecapextreme.com.