With the unprecedented and unseasonably warm weather this year, the UP200 powered by NMU has been canceled for the second year. The decision to cancel the sled dog race was announced on Feb. 1, 2024, about two weeks before the start of the race. 

“[The committee] decided they wanted to make the decision early this year, and the weather really made it easy for them,” NMU’s Chief Marketing Officer Derek Hall said.

In place of the race, Hall says the Festival of the Sled Dog will return to downtown Marquette. The Festival was created last year after the UP200 was canceled just two days before the event. 

“It is kind of surreal that we are in this spot again,” Hall said. “[Last year] I remember thinking this will not happen again, but here we are.”

Last year’s Festival of the Sled Dog featured live music, a sledding hill and sled dog demos on Washington Street. Hall says this year’s event will build on that, hoping to bring people downtown again after a successful pivot last year.

“I think this is a big thing for Marquette. It is definitely a big thing for downtown. The restaurants, bars and other establishments, that is a big night for them. To not have it would be tough,” Hall said.

Last year’s decision to cancel was based on the heavy rain that fell just before race week, leaving deteriorating trail conditions. Hall explains while this year’s cancellation decision leaves more room for planning, the committee had only about two days last year.

“We created a new logo within a few hours and announced the Festival of the Sled Dog. That was really crazy,” Hall said. 

Despite the cancellation, Hall hopes for another successful Festival of the Sled Dog.

“Last year really felt like everyone coming together to make something happen. Hopefully this year we get that same vibe,” Hall said.

Regardless of the cancellation, Hall adds he’s still looking forward to this year’s event.

“Come down, bring your friends. It is a Friday night in the winter, we are gonna have a good time together,” Hall said. 

Volunteers are still needed for this event.