CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — An annual sled dog race in New Hampshire that usually attracts hundreds of people has been canceled this year because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
The Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby was scheduled for Feb. 12-14. Jim Lyman, president of the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club, tells The Laconia Daily Sun that “everywhere we turned we couldn’t make it work because of COVID.” He said social distancing restrictions would have prohibited the traditional spectator viewing areas.
Another obstacle was the continued closure of the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential traffic. Between half and two-thirds of the mushers who compete in the open-class events come from Quebec.
