See dog sled demonstrations on Jan. 28

Mushers and their dogs are coming for an afternoon of dog sled demonstrations from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lippold Park, 2001 S. River St., Batavia.

"Sledding with the Siberians" will feature the sled dogs of the Free Spirit Sled Demo Team. The event will be held regardless of weather and snow conditions (or lack of snow), and also feature opportunities for dog adoptions.

The cost is $15 per family, with a portion of the event proceeds going to Free Spirit Siberian Rescue, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Attendees will get an up-close view on how sled dogs train and interact with their mushers. In between demonstrations, the huskies will be available for petting and playing. Trainers will be on hand to answer questions.

Also, several Siberian husky puppies available for adoption will be present, along with adoption information for other dogs.

"Dog sleds have been a mode of transport for centuries, and this event will show us the great pride that owners, mushers and handlers have in their dogs," said Fox Valley Park District naturalist Margaret Gazdacka.

"When their dogs are hooked to the sled, they get to do two of the things they love most - pull and run. It will be an enchanting experience to see these gentle giants and their enthusiastic energy, their playful barks and their distinctive howls."

For more information, see www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.