Tail-gate party
More than a month before the Iditarod challenge draws mushers and dog teams to Alaska for the annual 1,150-mile race, local huskies and mushers will show Morton Arboretum visitors how it's done.
About seven teams of ruggedly powerful dogs will pull sleds across an arboretum field during the Tails on the Trails program Saturday and Sunday.
If there's adequate snow cover, they'll use dogsleds; if there isn't, they'll race hauling wheeled carts, said Diana Fischer-Woods, the arboretum's special events coordinator.
"We have a short course they can run through to demonstrate," said Fischer-Woods, adding that the dogs would prefer a more rigorous workout. "They really like to run long distances."
Spectators will witness skijoring demonstrations, a sport that involves humans on cross-country skis being pulled by huskies.
Visitors also can meet dogs available for adoption through Adopt-A-Husky Inc., a rescue group that finds homes for homeless Siberian Huskies, Fischer-Woods said.
A free video and slide presentation, "Husky Heroes," will be offered indoors in the Cudahy Auditorium at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
"Seating is very limited, so if people want to attend, they need to get a ticket at the visitor center," Fischer-Woods said.
The event will include a few non-canine-oriented activities, too.
Bicycle-riding enthusiasts who want to indulge in their two-wheeled sport even during the winter's most forbidding weather, can hear tips from experts on Sunday, Fischer-Woods said.
"They'll talk about how to stay warm and dry while riding," she said.
The talk will be followed by a guided ride. Visitors who plan to participate should bring their own bicycles.
Under the shelter of a tent pitched just outside the visitor center, a program about how to prepare food and drink for Super Bowl tailgate parties will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sign up for this free program in the visitor center.
The real stars of the weekend, though, will be the huskies. In the past, the event has drawn as many as 4,000 visitors per day, she said.
"It's a well-attended event," Fischer-Woods said. "The dogs are the great attraction. These are very beautiful and friendly animals."
If you go
What: Tails on the Trails
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for ages 3-17, free for under 3
Info: (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org