Wooden dogs to be auctioned at WDMA symposium

WILLOW — A “Parade of Dogs” event begins at 10 a.m., Oct. 5 as part of this year’s Willow Dog Mushers Association’s K9 Athlete Symposium at the Willow Community Center.

The four wooden, life-sized dogs were painted by local artists and will be auctioned during the symposium. Dale Evans created the basic dog forms.

The symposium begins at 9 a.m. with registration, vendor fair, gear swap and breakfast made available through the local Lions Club.

At 10 a.m., interactive seminars and demonstrations begin. These include: “How to Use a GPS,” “Extreme Weather Gear,” “Alternative Gang Lines and Harnesses,” “Sled Fixes on the Trail and Mush Denali.”

At noon, the Lions Club will begin lunch service.

Afternoon sessions begin at 1 p.m. with a panel presentation on “Responsible Kennel Ownership.” On hand will be Rhonda Gerharz, chief investigator workers compensation; Dave Gaulty, insurance broker; and Darla Erskine, Mat-Su Animal Control officer. Moderator will be Vern Halter.

Greg Sellentin will moderate a panel discussion at 2 p.m. of stage racing and its potential here in Alaska. Panelists include Ryan Redington, Jeff King and James Wheeler .

At 3 p.m., the Yukon Quest panel takes the stage. Listen to mushers who enjoy the challenge of this “other” 1,000-mile race. Panelists include Doug Grilliot, Becca Moore, Kelly Griffin and Jake Berkowitz. Vern Halter will moderate.

The Parade of Dogs auction begins at 4 p.m.

Between the auction and dinner at 6 p.m., a panel of longtime mushers will share tales from the trail. Mushers include Dick Mackey, Bud Smyth, Joe May, Rod Perry, Jon Van Zyle. Hosted by Donna Quante and Bob Chlupach.

Audience participation is encouraged, so be prepared with questions or stories of your own.

Dinner is $10 per person and guest may pick tri-tips, chicken or vegetarian spaghetti. Relax and enjoy the Kathy Turco slideshow while you eat.

For more information, registration forms and a schedule of events, visit willowdogmushers.org.