MARQUETTE — Due to the UP200’s recent sled dog race cancellations, the accompanying Festival of the Sled Dog has been expanded.

“It’s still extremely disappointing, but I think our ability to put together a festival was made a little bit easier by having more time,” said UP200 Sled Dog Association President Darlene Walch.

As of Tuesday morning, a tentative event schedule has been released.

Festivities will take place on Feb. 16 on Washington Street between Fourth and Front Streets with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Festival activities include hot chocolate provided by the NMU Alumni tent, a UP200 merchandise tent, a silent auction, live music and more.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. a kids’ activities tent will offer face painting by the NMU Rugby Club as well as a coloring contest.

Participants of all ages are welcome to bring their sled on down to the Third Street Hill for sledding.

An informational tent about mushing will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees can learn about mushers and their dogs, racing equipment as well as sled dog care and training.

“We’re going to have mushing club students from (Michigan Technological University) and (Northern Michigan University) doing demos and sled dog rides,” Walch said. “We got a couple mushers coming to talk about the sport…I think there will be enough activities that it’ll be well worth coming downtown.”

Note that the Marquette Downtown Social District will be active from 6 to 10 p.m. Consumption of alcohol in designated Social District areas will not be permitted after hours.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.