Irving Woodlands, LLC is proud to have once again sponsored the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog 250-mile Race. It is the longest and highest caliber race in the Eastern United States and is a qualifier for the Alaskan Iditarod Race and this year celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Mushers from throughout North America and around the world gathered in Fort Kent, Maine on March 4th to compete in three races: the 30-miles, 100-mile, and 250-mile race. There was a total of 13 mushers participating in the 2017 Irving Woodlands Can-Am Crown 250. 10 of the mushers finished the race, with Martin Massicote of St-Tite, Quebec coming in first place, followed by Andre Longchamps of Pont Rouge, Quebec, and Denis Tremblay of St-Michel Des Saints, Quebec.

Karen Ouellette, from the Can-Am Event Organization Team, notes the importance of having a local businesses, like Irving Woodlands, LLC, sponsor this event "With a local sponsorship, the business owners, event organizers, and the recipients of the donation come together to create an event that attracts many from near and far. It gives all involved an opportunity to work together and accomplish a common goal. Visitors remember the hospitality offered and return to our area, placing our little town as a return spot."

Photo Credit: Paul Cyr

Festivities kicked-off at 8:00 AM in Fort Kent, ME. Despite frigid temperatures and bitter wind chill the event was well attended by roughly 3,000 spectators. The Irving Woodlands heated tent with complimentary BBQ and drink was a favourite among the spectators. Irving Woodlands, LLC would like to thank all of the participants in the races, spectators and the tremendous team of of the local volunteers who made the 25th CanAm a huge success! 

About the Can-Am Crown: The Can-Am Crown was founded on October 16, 1992 to provide a mid-distance sled dog race to a growing community of mushers throughout the regional and international community and to boost the area's image as a travel destination. The Can-Am Crown 250 has rapidly gained popularity as the longest sled dog race in the eastern United States. The first-place winner of the Irving Woodlands Can-Am Crown 250 not only qualifies for the Alaskan Iditarod, but also wins a $29,000 USD purse.