2008 DOG-SLED RACE

The largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states is set for its 2008 course through snowy Wyoming. The 13th International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race will start out of Jackson on Jan. 25 and finish in Park City on Feb. 2.

The 2008 Jackson race sendoff takes place at the Jackson Hole Winter Carnival complete with a bonfire, fireworks show, music and food booths, before heading on to stages in Lander, Pinedale, Cora, Big Piney/Marbleton, Alpine, Kemmerer/Diamondville and Uinta County and the big finish in Park City.

Popular on the professional mushing circuit, the event takes place before Montana's Race to the Sky and Alaska's Iditarod, attracting mushers who compete in all three events.

With its unique "Stage Stop" format, the race stops in a different community each night, where towns turn on the hospitality for mushers and spectators with events ranging from dog parades, kids' dog sled races and ice sculpture contests to banquets, carnivals and fishing derbies.

For more information, visit the race Web site at www.wyomingstagestop.org; contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com or telephone at 307-734-1163, or visit www.pedigree.com.

FOOD FOR TRAM RIDE

Snowbird collected nearly 2 tons of non-perishable food for the Utah Food Bank during its annual Customer Appreciation Days. In addition, $1,416 was raised for the Wasatch Adaptive Sports Program.

Customer Appreciation Days, during which one can of food equals one free Tram ride, were held in mid-October. In lieu of food, those attending were able to make a $2 donation to the Wasatch Adaptive Sports Program for a Tram ride.

"The customer appreciation program is a wonderful way to give back to our guests while contributing to a good cause," said Bob Bonar, resort president. "We are happy that we can help stock the shelves of the donation warehouse as we head into the winter months."

The food collected at Snowbird precedes the kickoff of the Utah Food Bank's Holiday Food Drive. The Holiday Food Drive is an annual effort to stock the shelves of the Utah Food Bank in preparation for the holidays and the winter months.

Wasatch Adaptive Sports is a nonprofit educational foundation providing outdoor recreational activities for children and adults with special needs. Established by Peter Mandler in 1977, Wasatch Adaptive Sports reaches 1,800 participants through its year-round programs.