By Gairdt Edwards

The Siberian Husky Assist Rescue held its second annual Serum Run Re-enactment festival on January 19 and 20.

The festival is held to educate the public on the organization’s progress with rescuing Siberian Huskies. It is also a forum for husky owners to learn more about personal care for their dogs, as well as receive an informative history on the breed.

Director Marsha Horn, said that she was pleased to be given the opportunity of organizing the festival for the second consecutive year. “We’re really appreciative of Abingdon and Damascus for supporting the event again,” Horn said.

She went on to explain that the event not only encourages community participation, but also boosts the economy of areas around the Creeper Trail that typically see economic drops during the winter season.

The festival, which was sponsored by Eagle Pack Pet Food, showcased many events including the re-enactment of the 1925 Alaska Serum Run, lumberjack competitions, a presentation on winter hiking hosted by Sun Dog Outfitters, a free dog food give-away, and an Intermont Search and Rescue presentation teaching children what to do if they get lost in the wild. The event offered a showcase for Damascus and Abingdon businesses and was capped off with a “Meet the Musher” dinner. The dinner included talks given by Iditarod Veterinarian Al Townsend and Iditarod finisher Dr. Sonny King. The talks focused on proper care of athlete and working canines.

After the dinner, Horn said that there was an interest in putting together a Southeastern Mushers Organization.

Reportedly, hundreds of people participated in the festival this year, making it a great success.
As the event attracts further interest, Marsha Horn hopes that the festival will grow with more entertainment and business involvement.

Marsha Horn said that the Creeper Trail is perfect for the dogs, and Horn has enjoyed her own dog sled team with riding the trail.

“It’s beautiful. It’s just really relaxing and you get to watch the dogs and see how they move down the trail,” Horn said.

Horn began the Siberian Husky Assist Rescue in 2003 and has been sledding since 2004. Currently the organization has its own seven dog sled team, which is made up entirely of rescued animals.

Horn said that she really enjoys orchestrating the event because it is a way for her and the Siberian Husky Assist Rescue team to give back to the community, which, as she says, is what it’s all about.

“Well, the serum run began with people helping other people, and that’s what we want to do […] It’s important for Damascus and Abingdon businesses to benefit with this,” Horn said.

Horn and locals around the Creeper Trail hope to see the dogs again in the upcoming years.

For more information on Siberian Husky Assist, visit them at www.siberianhuskyassist.com