Â鶹ÉçÇø

As we get closer to the annual Yukon Quest, mushers and fans alike continue to prepare.

Over the weekend, mushers competing in the 1,000- and 300-mile races took part in a food drop – all the food the teams expect to need are shipped off to the appropriate checkpoints – and vet check – the teams are all examined by vets to make sure they are healthy and have all the required vaccinations.

With the race beginning in Whitehorse this year, the Yukon Quest office has organized a sled full of events to get everyone excited before the event kicks off Feb. 4.

This Sunday, Muktuk Adventures and Sky High Wilderness Ranch will be offering free mushing rides at Shipyards Park from 10:30 to 3 p.m. This event is weather-dependent.

Then, Jan. 30 through Feb. 3 from 9 to 5 p.m., QuestFest takes over the Old Fire Hall with musher presentations, sled dog movies, a kid’s corner, silent auction, merchandise sales and more. A full schedule for QuestFest is expected to be released soon.

Meet the mushers themselves at next Wednesday’s Meet the Mushers, taking place at the Grey Room at Mount McIntyre from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Start and Draw Banquet takes place at the Yukon Convention Centre next Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $75. The evening includes dinner, a silent auction and the start-order draw.

Finally, the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest race will start at Shipyard’s Park on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. Go early to mingle with the mushers before they get their teams ready. The start of the YQ300 will follow at 3 p.m.

A roster of 21 mushers is set to begin the 1,000-mile race, including locals, Rob Cooke, Gaetan Pierrard, Yuka Honda, Ed Hopkins and Brian Wilmshurst.

Local faces for the YQ300 include: Jean-Marc Champeval, Claudia Wickert, Melissa Schenke, Jacob Heigers, Kyla Boivin, Magnus Kaltenborn, Thomas Verin, Hans Gatt, Susie Rogan, Gerry Willomitzer, Nathaniel Hamlyn, Jason Biasetti, Michelle Phillips and Marcelle Fressineau.