Barks and howls replaced silver bells last weekend as almost 100 dogs raced Fort ProvidenceSA国际影视传媒檚 Deh Gah Christmas Sled Dog Races.

Nineteen mushers participated in the event SA国际影视传媒� a slight drop from last yearSA国际影视传媒檚 high water mark that saw 31 mushers from across NWT, Alberta and British Columbia heel their dogs to the finish.

Cold weather and low snowfall also slowed overall times, according to organizer Susan Fleck, though neither dampened spirits as longtime racers enjoyed a strong weekend and received their awards from NWT MP Michael McLeod.

SA国际影视传媒淭he veterans had a good weekend,SA国际影视传媒� Fleck said.

One of them was Pete Emile of Fort Smith, a longtime musher recently returning to competition after a significant absence dedicated to assisting other mushers. With just a few dogs, he steadily climbed the ranks over the past years. And this year, he won the six dog race on the 28th, marking a come back for the veteran racer.

Kale Beck, 14, meanwhile drove AnthonySA国际影视传媒檚 BeckSA国际影视传媒檚 dogs into third place finish in the six dog race. It was one of the first times he avoided falling off the sled, Fleck said, noting he surprised himself and nearly everyone else with a strong finish.

Don Cousins, who has raced for over 40 years, took first in the 12-dog race, which took place Dec. 28 and 29.

Fleck couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 remember the last time Cousins won a race over the last two decades, but said he enjoyed clean runs and sharp, young team leader that pressed the dogs to victory.

SA国际影视传媒淗eSA国际影视传媒檚 pretty excited about his year now,SA国际影视传媒� Fleck said.

Finally, in the three-mile, three-dog race held Dec. 29, Melodie Cardona handily won with a time of 9:52:06.

While racers competed, Fort Providence volunteers were of huge assistance, Fleck said. The course crossed a local access road, so volunteers had to maintain a level of snow where the dog teams went across.

She said the local help made for smooth operations throughout the weekend, whether it was keeping time or maintaining tracks.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey had never done it before and just did an amazing job,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淲ithout those local people helping with the race, you canSA国际影视传媒檛 really race.SA国际影视传媒�

As the sled dog racing season kicks off, Fleck said racers will have several opportunities in the coming months to compete and socialize.

SA国际影视传媒淭he long lonely hours of training are almost over and now mushers get to socialize,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒漎ou really look forward to racing and seeing how your dogs are looking against other peopleSA国际影视传媒檚 dogs, and just exchange stories and talk about what you could have done to run the race.SA国际影视传媒�