THE MUSHING CLUB at Michigan Tech President Ben Amat takes a couple of children on a mushing run around Agassiz Park on Saturday afternoon. (Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette photo)

CALUMET — The Copper Dog 150 offered free dog sled rides to children and other locals Saturday at Agassiz Park in Calumet.

The family-friendly event was the kickoff leading up to this year’s Copper Dog 150.

Meant to preview the largest sled dog race in the Keweenaw, the afternoon was also aimed at drumming up interest and perhaps attracting volunteers for next month’s races.

The rides went around a wide circle in the park with mushers from The Mushing Club at Michigan Tech manning the sled. Carrying the load were Alaskan huskies from Tom Bauer’s Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures kennel.

Children lined up waiting their turn to sit in the sled as the dogs took them for a ride. Upon their return they enjoyed food and hot beverages near the Agassiz Park pavilion.

Volunteer Director Krissy Tepsa said she was delighted to see children taking an interest in the dogs and mushing.

“It’s just fun because the kids just love to come out,” she said. “You can get up close and personal to the dogs and hop in the basket and go for a ride. It’s fun, because you can get real close with (the dogs), talk to the musher and learn a little bit about mushing.”

Tepsa said getting children outside and away from electronic devices is important to introducing them into more activities. Mushing is a more unique activity to capture kid’s interest.

Aside from children, however, the event is also meant to generate interest in volunteering for the Copper Dog 150 Race, which takes place from Feb. 28 through March 2.

Copper Dog 150 organizers are still looking for volunteers to help with this year’s race. Tepsa said a multitude of jobs still need to be filled, such as such as helping mushers cross roads, fencing set up and tear down, assisting veterinarians and dog handling and much more.

“There’s over 600 positions to fill,” Tepsa said. “It’s a great community event, and it’s really nice to see how many people come and get together for this over the weekend.”

For more information on Copper Dog 150 or to volunteer for this year’s race, go to its web page at copperdog.org.