Heads up, dog lovers!

The Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair and Seminars will be back at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Contoocook, New Hampshire on October 5th & 6th, bringing with it a host of activities and a fun filled weekend for you and your canine companion.

This event isn’t just for sled dogs either; have you ever wanted to run or bike or cross country ski with your dog? People with various breeds of dogs partake in these pulling sports, and it’s a fantastic way to exercise your pooch and keep him or her healthy and active!

At the Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair and Seminars beginners can take a class in bikejoring (mountain biking with your dog) and canicross (cross country running with your dog). Or try out one of the hottest new AKC sports, Rally, where dogs and their owners work as a team to navigate a course filled with obedience instructions and tasks.

Find out how to solve some of the more common problems dog owners face at our seminar on dog behavior, taught by Kate Walrath of Run By Dogs. Kate will also be offering one-on-one training sessions during the day on Sunday.

Mushers and outdoor enthusiasts will all enjoy listening to our featured speaker this year: Matthew Failor of Willow Alaska, a multiple-time Iditarod finisher and winner of the 2019 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race.

Inside the vendor hall folks will find everything from dog sleds, harnesses, leashes, collars, dryland rigs and other sled dog related equipment as well as dog-themed gifts, hand-crafted items and clothing. A selection of items from the fair’s vendors will be raffled off on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning features a dryland race that is open to anyone who wants to test their abilities, or simply attend and watch the excitement!

The fair, which has been held for the past 25 years in New England, typically draws attendees from as far away as Ohio and New Jersey. Admission to the Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair and Seminars is $10 for adults for Saturday or $15 for both days. Kids under 16 are free. Entries into the dryland race and some classes are extra. On-site camping is available; see the website for more information. The fair is both kid and dog-friendly; all dogs need to be leashed and owners must pick up after their dogs. Access to the fair is through the Green Gate, opening at 8:30 a.m. each morning with the vendor hall opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and a daily schedule please visit sleddogtradefair.org.

Contact: Jaye Foucher, North Country Mushers | jaye@sibersong.com | 603-786-2526