State Rep. Karl Bohnak on Wednesday announced he would welcome a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to the Upper Peninsula for the annual U.P. 200 dog sled race. The event, which includes three unique dog sled races, is slated to kick off this week and lasts until next Monday, Feb. 16.
“Since 1990, the U.P. 200 sled dog race has been an Upper Michigan mid-winter celebration,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Downtown Marquette will be packed with folks from all over the U.P., the state, and the nation to see the sled dog teams take off this Friday evening. Among the observers will be more than a dozen state legislators along with national political figures.
“The weather this year will be great for being outside; temperatures at race time will likely be in the 30s with no snow or rain. However, these weather conditions are not ideal for the racing teams. They prefer it cold – like we experienced the last couple of weeks of January.”
The U.P. 200 is a massive economic driver for U.P. communities. By drawing in thousands to U.P. communities, the event brings significant winter tourism revenue.
“The support we continue to see from Lansing and federal representatives for the U.P. 200 is a driving force behind our ability to adequately fund this great winter event,” said Ross Anthony, President of the U.P. 200 Board of Directors. “Not only is it an opportunity to experience something unique to our area, but their consistent attendance creates a forum of political influence that sponsors want to be a part of.”
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