FARMINGTON - Thanks to all the good snow this week, the Farmington dog sled races are a go for the ninth year on Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8 on the Sandy River Farm's fields along Farmington Falls Road/Route 2 & 27. Races will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

In the last two years, weather has hampered efforts to hold the races when trail conditions were too icy, muddy or there wasn't enough snow that kept the dogs from running.

But this year, there will be plenty of snow so the races, presented by the Down East Sled Dog Club and organized by Mark and Joy Turner, can be held. Local Farmington businesses help sponsor the event where food, parking and public facilities will be available.

The races begin at 9 am. and run until 3 p.m. Events include four-, six- and eight-dog races for adults, with a three-dog race for children ages 9 to 15, as well as a 50-yard, single-dog children's sprint. Adult races range from 4 to 8 miles. A purse will be offered, but the amount had not yet been announced.

Skijor races will also be held, starting at 9 a.m. both days, with one or two dogs pulling a participant on cross-country skis. On Saturday at 3 p.m. there will be a recreational skijor event for those new to the sport who would like to try it out.

For more info call Mark or Joy Turner 645-2864 or visit the club's website here.